FUNERAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED; SEE BELOW, NOW A PUBLIC SERVICE
Richard "Dick" Francis Lyons of Franklin, MA passed away peacefully on the morning of December 25, 2020. He was the loving husband of Carol Lyons (Carmody), who predeceased him in 2008.
Born and raised in Concord, MA, he was the son of James J. Lyons and Laura E. Lyons (Monahan). He was the brother of the late James J. Lyons, Jr. and Robert Lyons.
Dick was a two-way anchor of the offensive and defensive lines for the most successful football teams in Concord High School history. The team had a state-record 56 game winning streak and Dick (Co-captain) led the team to a perfect regular season in 1951 and the team’s first-ever trip to the Piedmont Bowl in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He was inducted into the Concord High football Hall of Fame in 2004.
After graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1956, he had a short stint with the Washington Redskins. Dick also served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army. He would later receive a Masters Degree in Education from Boston University.
Upon leaving the Army, he met his beloved wife, Carol. Married for 48 years, they prided themselves on their family and their four children and grandchildren. He loved holidays and family gatherings surrounded by laughter and stories and would say, “that’s what life is all about.”
Having long admired the coaches from his youth, he would become a science teacher and a football and wrestling coach for 33 years in Walpole and Needham, and was committed to shaping the young minds of the future. Dick was also longstanding member of the Franklin Elks, and served as the Exalted Ruler from 1977-1978.
Dick enjoyed a happy retirement from teaching and spent much of his time golfing and with family and friends. He and Carol particularly enjoyed their trip to Ireland, winter excursions to Florida, and watching the birds and wildlife in their back yard.
He is survived by his sister Kathryn Lyons of Acton, MA, daughters Linda of Branford, CT, Lisa of Salem, MA, John and his wife, Jennifer of Medway, Richard J. and his wife Susan of Wrentham. He will be missed by his grandchildren Abigael, Aidan, Caroline, and Kelsey. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Eileen Mallinson of Falmouth, MA and Allie Corsetti of Cary, NC. He leaves many nieces and nephews and their families, with whom he had a close relationship with, including Rob Lyons and his wife Rosalie Piemonte of Salisbury, MA and Matt Lyons and his wife Mary-Ellen of Littleton, MA.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to his close neighbors and his many friends for enriching his life with love, laughter, antics, and for lending their willing ears to listen to his many stories.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass Wednesday Dec. 30th in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10AM. Interment with military honors will follow at the parish cemetery. Due to the pandemic, the family understands if you are unable to attend and you may view the Mass by logging onto stmarysfranklin.org
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Walpole Visiting Nurse Association or Franklin Senior Center.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Lyons Family. Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com