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Anderson Funeral Home - Ayer

25 Fitchburg Rd - Route 2A

Ayer, Massachusetts

Richard Rakip Obituary

Richard N. Rakip
of Ayer; 82

AYER -- Richard N. Rakip, 82, of Ayer, died Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston after a brief illness.

Mr. Rakip was born in Lowell, June 24, 1930, one of twelve children born to Alley and Annie (Murray) Rakip and moved to Ayer in 1937. He graduated from Ayer High School in 1949.

He leaves his "better half" over 40 years, Barbara Alderman; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Anne Marie Rakip of Summerville, SC; two grandchildren, Madeline (Rakip) Schildwachter and her husband, Capt. Andrew Schildwachter USMC of Sneads Ferry, NC and Thomas Rakip and his fiancée, Rhianna Cohen of Fuquay-Varina, NC: stepchildren, Cynthia J. Corbett of Scottsdale, AZ, Karen Alderman of Woburn, Nat S. Alderman and his wife, Susan, of Pepperell; three step grandchildren, Janet Hoffman, Jennifer Linehan and Christopher Creighton.

He was the brother of the late Robert D. Rakip Sr., Grace Stevens, Raymond M. Rakip, Russell E. Rakip, John J. Rakip, Harold J. Rakip, Ally S. Rakip, Wilson M. Rakip, Donald R. Rakip, Kenneth N. Rakip and Gerald Rakip.

In 1957, Mr. Rakip opened the Jack-O-Lantern Bar and Restaurant in Ayer, which he operated for 15 years. At that time he transformed the business to a package store which he continued to operate until his retirement in 1982.

He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Ayer, a life member of the Ayer Gun and Sportsman's Club, Westford-Littleton Elks and the Massachusetts 100 Club.

During the Korean Conflict he served his country as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 2d Shore Party Battalion, 2d Marine Division.

Dick and Barbara traveled extensively having visited six continents and over 40 countries by sea, air and land. Dick was very generous to many worthwhile charities including Loaves and Fishes, Ayer Education Foundation, Camp Middlesex, Janis Bresnahan 5K walk for education.

Dick was a dedicated family man -- the link between all Rakips, near and far. Always one to keep up with relatives as life moved on, "Uncle Dickie" looked after everyone. He could always be counted on to have someone's forwarding address or to connect long-lost relatives as they passed through town. He was also extremely industrious every minute of his life, spending his days improving his home, perfecting his yard, assisting a loved one or neighbor or working in his office. Despite his tough exterior, Dick was very charming and had a tremendously generous heart, coupled with a razor-sharp sense of humor. It was difficult to go anywhere without stopping to chat, always amidst smiles and laughter.

Dick's family would like to thank the staff of the Mass General Hospital for their dedication, diligence and heartfelt care.

RAKIP -- A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 AM Friday, May 17th at St. Mary's Church, 31 Shirley Street, Ayer. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ayer.

Calling hours are 5-8 Thursday at the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (Rte 2A) Ayer. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.

Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes, PO Box 1, Ayer, MA 01432. In lieu of tears, please bring happy thoughts and touching memories to share and celebrate a life well-lived as it was well loved.

Published by Lowell Sun on May 14, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rakip

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I just learned of Dick's passing. I am so sorry to hear this. Dick was a kind, generous man with a heart of gold. He was the last link l had to my family on my Dad's side. He used to tell wonderful stories of his childhood, which l will miss hearing. He was also wonderful to my aunt Gert in her final years, visiting her often, and celebrating her 95th birthday with us.
You will be greatly missed, Dick.
Leanne Durkee Frye

Leanne Frye

September 16, 2013

This ones to you, Pup

Tom Rakip

May 26, 2013

My deepest sympathy to all of Dick's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I know Dick was loving and caring man and will be missed greatly.

Suzanne

May 16, 2013

Rest in peace Marine, the few the proud
we are here because of
your service to your country and CORPS Ron S

May 14, 2013

Mike, Anne and entire family,
Sorry to learn of Dick's passing. It's been some time but I clearly remember that Dick was helpful to so many people.

Gary Sullivan

Gary Sullivan

May 14, 2013

I am so sad to see such a good man pass. He was such a great support to me and my family during times of crisis and celebration. The hard times my grandmother endured would not have come to pass if Dickie was not there to help her out along the way.
My heart goes out to my Uncle Mike and my cousins Madeline and Thomas, to his wife Barbara who was almost as much a part of our lives as Dickie was and to all of his loved ones.
Dickie, you will be missed.

Carla Rogers

May 14, 2013

Mike, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. Remember the good times.

Bob Mungovan

May 14, 2013

Dick You were a great guy, We had good times together when the kids were small. You will always be remembered as a kind and generous man, Rest in Peace my friend

pat myer

May 14, 2013

TO THE RAKIP FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF DICKIE. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON. MAY HE REST IN PEACE

AL & GAIL WENDLING

May 14, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Anderson Funeral Home - Ayer

25 Fitchburg Rd - Route 2A, Ayer, MA 01432

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