Richard B. Soper, of Tewksbury, formerly of Lynn, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the age of 64 at Tewksbury State Hospital.
Born in Boston, Richard was the eldest of five children of the late Reverend Harry and B. Val Jean (Wheeler) Soper. He was a 1971 graduate of Stoughton High School.
Richard loved spending time with family, especially in Onset at Muddy Cove. He took his role of big brother very seriously, even when he became dependent on his younger siblings. Richard was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and painting and the theater. He had a great sense of humor and kept his family, friends and caregivers on their toes. Although Richard suffered from severe mental illness throughout his adult life he bonded with his caregivers and was well loved and always likable. He quickly became a favorite of many of the staff who worked with him.
Richard is survived by his siblings David W. Soper and his wife Elizabeth Ann Conroy of Tyngsborough, Walter H. Soper and his wife Elizabeth A. Fagan of Natick, John C. Soper and his companion Karen Dodge of Ware, MA, and Laura Grace McCann and her husband Donald of Lutz, FL, nephew Liam W. Soper of Tyngsborough, MA, extended family across the country and caring staff at Tewksbury Hospital and the MA Department of Mental health.
At his family’s request, a Celebration of Richards Life, under the direction of the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common will be held privately at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness/MA, The Schrafft Center, 529 Main St., Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02129 or a charity of one’s choice.