Richard Lewis Wells, 76, died on June 17, 2023 after a long and courageous struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Jean, his devoted wife of almost 51 years, his four children and four grandchildren, other family members and friends were by his side throughout the ordeal.
Richard (also known as Rick and Dick) was a native of Brockton and lived in Bellingham for over 40 years. Always a hard worker, Richard initially explored several jobs including a pizza chef, truck driver and nurse’s aid. In the early 80’s he saw a way to use his extensive artistic talent combined with his knowledge of furniture to form FURNITURE SERVICES, a company that focused on the repair and restoration of furniture. He loved repairing furniture but he also delighted in his ability to creatively make parts that were missing or broken on antique pieces.
While Richard enjoyed being self-employed, he primarily loved his family. His house and yard were a focus especially yard work where his efforts were constant (e.g. trimming and re-trimming over and over again). Clearly his attention to the house, yard, pool, and hot tub was to make his home a place that family would want to return to…and they did! Over the years camping was another way to create quality time with his family who remember those many nights sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and listening to his scary stories. To this day, his grandchildren remember his crazy duck noises, songs and stories that he made up for them. Clearly Jean, his children and grandchildren were the center of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; his children: Kristin Wells, Michael Wells, Amy Custer (Kevin), Jarrod Wells (Cindy); his grandchildren: Dominic Rahman, Paige Rahman, Mady Wells, and Tristan Wells; his brother: Peter Wells. His parents: Richard Lewis Wells, Sr. and Martha Wells; his brother William Wells and his sister Sue Chase predeceased him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11a.m. on Wednesday, June 28 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to make a memorial gift, the family suggests: the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation, 912 Killian S.W., Lilburn, Ga. 30047, lbda.org, or 800 539 9767.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).