Richard A. Meagher

Richard Allison Meagher, 90, of West Boylston, MA died on August 15, 2023 surrounded by his family after a recent illness. He was predeceased by his wife of fifty years Virginia Dolan Meagher who died in 2017 and brother John J. Meagher who died in 1983.

Dick leaves his son Richard A. Meagher Jr. and his fiancée Stephanie Balzano of Worcester and South Harwich, his daughter Kathleen D. Ryder of Worcester and South Harwich; his sister Marilyn C. Meagher of Worcester; two grandchildren Allison and Thomas Ryder; and three sisters-in-law, Kathleen Dodge of Riverside, RI, Mary Dolan of Annapolis, MD, and Dolores Meagher of Millbury, MA.  

Dick was born in Webster, son of John J. and Mabel C. Meagher. He resided in Worcester until he and Ginny moved to West Boylston in 2007. Dick and Gin enjoyed four decades of summers at their home in South Harwich, MA. His daughter Kate recently took him for a day-long visit to the towns and beaches of the Outer Cape where he shared tales of old haunts and old friends.

Dick was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association. Dick joined the United States Navy, serving from 1953 to 1955.  It has remained a source of amusement that for someone who served in the Navy and later spent countless days on the beach, Dick never went in the water.  After his time in the service, Dick received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Education from Worcester State College.

Dick was a dedicated teacher for 32 years before his retirement from the Worcester Public Schools in 1993. Throughout the decades, Dick enjoyed many nights out and many martinis with friends and family at the Wychmere Harbor Club in Harwich Port and Pates in Chatham. In recent years breakfast in West Boylston at Jakes was his preferred spot where his pointed wit was welcomed. Always a reader, as his eyesight waned he continued to relish the daily Telegram, the National Catholic Reporter, and the Cape Cod Chronicle, where the Nature Connection column provided weekly discussion of the wonder that surrounds us and the beauty of life.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dick’s Angell Brook neighbors who have been so supportive and generous over the years.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester.  A funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales Street, Worcester.  Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or the St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.

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