Michael Richard, 67, of Methuen, passed away on Wednesday, May 28th, following a brief illness.
The son of the late George and Helen (Trakimas) Richard of Lawrence, Michael was predeceased by his son, Christopher Richard, as well as his brothers, Raymond Richard and Ronnie Richard, and his sisters, Kathy Richard, Georgette Foresta, and Sandy Richard Petty.
Michael, who attended Lawrence Public Schools, retired after 45 years as a painter with the Lawrence Housing Authority. He joined the staff at Lawrence Housing at the age of 16 through its affiliation with the Neighborhood Youth Corps. Michael’s attention to detail and agility earned him the nickname "Speedy" from his coworkers.
Michael leaves behind to mourn his passing Debra Richard, his loving wife and partner in life of 40 years; his daughter, Jamie Cassidy of Bradford; his granddaughters, Makayla Richard of Haverhill and Maya Richard of Amesbury; and his great-grandson, Christopher Foote of Haverhill. Also mourning his passing are his brothers David Richard of Sandown, NH, George Richard of Manchester, NH, and Robert Richard of Lawrence, sisters Barbie Richard of Holyoke, Deb Richard Shaw of Haverhill, and Shirley Richard of Florida, sisters-in-law Judy Grelle of Methuen and Lynne Brown of Lowell, his second mother, Maureen Cornwell of Methuen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Michael enjoyed traveling, whether it was taking numerous trips with his wife to Aruba, Miami, or Key West; following his daughter and the University of Maine Orono’s Lady Black Bears basketball team across the nation; swimming with the dolphins alongside his granddaughters, or taking family summer trips to Cape Cod after his retirement.
Michael took great pride and pleasure in landscaping his yard in Methuen, with an almost laser-focused approach to ensuring that not a single leaf was left on his lawn. He enjoyed countless hours with his family swimming and grilling in his backyard oasis.
An avid sports enthusiast, Michael was passionate about fishing and enjoyed spending time fishing with his granddaughter, Makayla, and his brother, David, as well as watching his beloved New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and the GOAT, Tom Brady, regardless of his team affiliation.
Funeral services and a celebration of life will be held privately.
At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s name to:
The Movement Family
PO Box 3083
Lawrence, MA 01842, https://www.themovementfamily.org/donate