Richard S. “Dick” Hastry, 89, of Franklin, passed away peacefully at his home, with loved one’s at his side on Sunday, February 23, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Helen M. (Bavineau) Hastry with whom he shared over 58 wonderful years of marriage.
Born September 13, 1935 in Quincy, a son of the late Stephen and Ruth (Terry) Hastry, he was a resident of Franklin for over 50 years.
Richard spent his childhood in the Mattapan section of Boston, a neighborhood that he remembered with fondness. Shortly after graduating from Boston English High School he enlisted in the Army to achieve two of his goals: serving his country during the Korean War and financing his college education. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, Richard graduated from Boston University with a degree in Business Administration. He had a successful career with the Internal Revenue Service and later with Auerr, Zajac & Associates where he worked part-time well into his eighties.
Despite his successes, family was his clear priority and he cherished all the special times spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, especially when it involved a visit with his kids and grandkids or the trips he and Helen made to Europe in their retirement years. He also had quite a green thumb, so much so that pictures taken of his yard were often mistaken for a botanical garden. An avid baseball fan and Franklin Little League coach for many years, he could always be counted on for the latest Red Sox stats and is remembered fondly by many of his players. He loved going to the symphony, especially Beethoven's 9th, a love he shared with Helen while attending many Boston Symphony Orchestra and Tanglewood concerts. He was a great storyteller with a fun sense of humor and loved having a good time with his many friends, especially his card group and the guys at Molloy’s Garage. He will always be admired, respected, loved, and honored - truly a great man who will be in our hearts forever.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children Stephen R. Hastry and his wife Trish of Norfolk, MA, Anne M. Sleeman and her husband Joe of Vero Beach, FL and Elizabeth H. “Buff” Wessman and her husband Derek of Wakefield, RI.
He was a devoted grandfather to Collin, Evan, Malia, Lauren, and Amanda Wessman; Emma, Jack and Owen Hastry and Kristina (Sleeman) Latraverse and Joseph Sleeman as well as a revered uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Martha Therrien, Robert Hastry, Carole Donovan and David Hastry.
Calling hours are Thursday, February 27th from 4-7 PM at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10AM on Friday, February 28th.
Burial with military honors will follow at the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to St. Mary’s Church c/o Fire Fund, 1 Church Square Franklin, MA 02038 or Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program Development Office, 780 Albany St. Boston, MA 02118.
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com