Richard Wallace Boyce, 80, of Whitman died on April 20, 2025. Richard was born July 17, 1944 in Norwood and grew up in Stoughton and Dedham. He met the love of his life, Lauretta, the summer after graduating high school. They were married for almost 57 years before her passing. They raised three children together and welcomed seven grandchildren. He did many things in his life, but being Papa to his grandchildren was his biggest pride and joy.
He worked hard to provide for his family. He was a machinist, working for a number of different companies, before finally retiring from Econocorp. After retirement, Richard and Lauretta spent their time with family, including lots of travel for visits. He also loved cars and introduced it to his children and grandchildren, often going to car shows. During his life, Richard was able to find caring and supportive people, like he tried to be. He was part of a close group of neighbors that looked out for each other. He would drop off treats Lauretta made and gladly accept those others made for them.
Richard was a dedicated member of First Congregational Church of Whitman. He served for many years as a Youth Group Leader, enjoying seeing the youth grow from children to adults. He also deeply valued his Teaching Parish work. He loved getting to know each student minister and helping them connect to the congregation and work on their ministry. He enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, getting to know so many people while helping out. He also appreciated the community he found at the Senior Center. In his last years, he found a good buddy in his nephew Earl, who provided companionship and care. All of these sources of support helped him through his last years, some of the hardest of his life.
After Lauretta’s cancer diagnosis, he supported her through her passing. Then after the sudden deaths of both his grandson and son, Richard received his own cancer diagnosis. His family and friends helped him try to fight it and then make his passing as gentle as possible, surrounding him with love and care in his last months.
He is survived by his son Michael (Robyn) Boyce and his children Max and Megan of East Bridgewater; his daughter Elisabeth (Byron) Peebles and her children Ada, Jane, and Daisy of Alexandria, VA; his daughter-in-law Jennifer Boyce and her daughter Heather of Pembroke; and his brother Robert (Gail) Boyce of Manchester, NH. He was preceded in death by his wife Lauretta (Haskell) Boyce; his parents Russell and Ethel (Wagner) Boyce; his brother Russell Boyce; and his beloved son Timothy Boyce and cherished grandson Mason Boyce.
Services will be held at a later date.