Richard A. "Dick" Willis

Richard A. Willis 85, of Franklin, died peacefully, Monday March 9, 2015 with his wife at his side, at the Metro West Medical Center in Framingham, following an illness. He was the beloved husband of Brenda Lou (Mahaney) Willis. Born March 8, 1930 in Cambridge, a son of the late Alexis C. and Helen (Welch) Willis, he was a Franklin resident since 1978 and was a former resident of Medway. He was raised and educated in Somerville, where he was a graduate of Somerville High School class of 1948 and continued his education at Dunwoody Baking College in Minneapolis; Minnesota. Richard was a retired supervisor for the former Itt. Continental Baking Company, more recently know as Wonder Bread & Hostess Cupcakes, he retired after 44 years. A Korean War veteran of both the United States Navy and United States Army, he attained the rank of private and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal with 1 Overseas Bar. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Richard treasured time spent at his home in Centerville, MA, fishing, skiing, and finding quahogs. He was a member of the Pilgrim Basset Hound & Basset Hound Clubs of America. In addition to his wife of 44 years he is survived by a step daughter Brenda Ann Motes and her husband James of Palm Bay, Florida, a sister Eleanore L. Tagliamonte and her husband David of Plymouth, step grandchildren, Catherine H. Motes of Palm Bay, FL, Keith W. Motes of Tucson, Arizona, step great grandchildren, Jasmine, Yesenia, Elijah, Michael Morales, Marcus, Lucas Vega & Isabella Motes. He also leaves his cherished basset hounds Butterscotch "Scotty" and "Shanana Banana". Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Monday March 16th, at 12PM in the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. FRANKLIN. Interment with military honors will take place Tuesday March 17th, at 2PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Calling hours are Sunday 3-7PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent the Walpole VNA 55 West St. #3 Walpole, MA 02081. Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com