Richard J. Lancaster, Jr.

Richard J. Lancaster. Jr.Richard "Dickie" Johnson Lancaster Jr., 83, of 69 Hempstead St., New London, died Sunday, November 16, 2014, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.Mr. Lancaster was born November 18, 1930, in New London, the son of the late Richard J. Lancaster Sr. and Dorothy J. Connover.He attended New London Public Schools, graduating from Chapman Tech. He was employed by the City of New London for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1996. Mr. Lancaster was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching his favorite professional teams -- the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New York Giants. He also enjoyed taking long, leisurely drives with his wife, Vivian Inez Lewis Lancaster, whom he married on January 14, 1950. The couple had 10 children.Mr. Lancaster is survived by six children, Beverly McKelvin, Michael Lancaster, Doreen Lancaster, Anthony Lancaster, Vivian Lancaster and Brian Lancaster, all of New London; one daughter-in-law, Patricia Lancaster of Quaker Hill; and five siblings, Louise Greer of Uncasville; Marian Holeman of New London; Spencer Lancaster of New London; James Lancaster of Mystic; and Albert Lancaster of New London.Other survivors include eight grandchildren, Stephanie Johnson of New London; Derick Lancaster and his wife, Carmen, of New London; Michael Lancaster Jr. and his wife, Chary, of New London; Troy McKelvin and his wife, Katrina, of New London; Shanae Lancaster of New London; Shanakia Lancaster of New London; Elora Helliger of St. Martin; and Tyree Green of Virginia.In addition, 14 great grandchildren, Jasmine Peat-Seward, and her husband, Montrell; Amanda Volpe, Teia Lancaster, Letisha Lancaster, Treyvon Lancaster, Jevon Clarke, Brandon Lancaster, Stephan Johnson, Tyana Lancaster, Noah Johnson, Derick Lancaster Jr., Troy McKelvin Jr., Xaria Lancaster-Mitchell and Tionne McKelvin; and five great great grandchildren, Montrell Peat-Seward, Jr., Tavion Nixon, Cree Peat-Seward, Nevaeh Lancaster and An'trelle Annibalini; two brother-in-laws, one sister-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, Mr. Lancaster was predeceased by two sons, Richard J. Lancaster III and Burt Lancaster; two daughters, Kathryn Jones and Gail Speedwell; and one sister, Clara Singleton.Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, CT 06320. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 10 to 11 before the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care, in care of Patient Care, 230 Waterford Parkway South, Waterford, CT, 06385.