HAVERHILL: Richard L. Demarais, 80, died, Friday, February 28, 2014. Richard was a retired Police Officer for the City of Haverhill and had been retired for many years.
Born in Haverhill on March 11, 1933, he was the son of the late Arthur and Catherine (Lynch) Demarais. He was a lifelong resident of Haverhill and a graduate of the former Haverhill Trade School. He also received his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Essex Community College. Richard served as Corporal in the U.S. Army for four years during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He also served as a 1st Class Airman for the U.S. Air Force for eight years until he was honorably discharged in 1962. He was a member of the Haverhill AMVETS Post #147, VFW Lorraine Post #29 and the Haverhill Elks Lodge #165.
Richard was a devoted fan of Frank Sinatra and was known for driving his Lincoln Town Car around town, with his window down and his favorite Sinatra tunes blaring loudly. He also liked to watch all New England sports and was an animal lover. Above all he was a beloved grandfather who was known as “Beepa” to his grandchildren. He was actively involved in his grandchildren’s lives. He especially enjoyed attending their sporting events throughout the years. The good times he shared with his family and friends, will be held close to their hearts for the rest of their lives.
Richard is survived by his four children, Lisa Demairas of Roslindale, Kevin and Terry Demarais, Stephanie Demarais and Allison and Michael DeCicco all of Haverhill; six grandchildren, Douglas “DJ” and Mollie McClure, Alex and Sydney Demarais and Felicya and Olivia DeCicco; former wife, Molly Demarais, a sister, Maureen Lovely and her husband, Donald; a brother-in-law, Ted DeRoche all of Haverhill, a sister-in-law Rosemarie Demarais, of Bellingham, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his two sisters, Catherine LaBelle and Lorraine “Rene” DeRoche; three brothers, Arthur “Scratch” Demarais, his twin brother, Robert Demarais and Henry “Bunky” Demarais.
At the request of Richard’s family all services will be privately held on Tuesday at the AMVETS Post #147 in Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.