Richard "Dick" Maynard, Jr.

1943 - 2019

Richard Edward Maynard, Jr. 76, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 15, 2019 surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer.

He was the beloved husband for over 48 years of Elaine M. (Salvidio) Maynard;  He leaves his loving daughter Krista Marie Maynard of Worcester;   three brothers,  Robert and Kevin Maynard of Worcester, Martin Maynard and his wife Deborah of Northboro;  a sister-in-law  Aphrodite “Diane” Salvidio; a niece, nephews,  cousins, including Joan Brady whom he considered a sister; his grand dog Finnley; extended family and friends.  Besides his parents, two brothers in law, Donald and Raymond predeceased him

Richard “Dick or Dickie to those who knew him” was born April 30, 1943 in Worcester, the son of Richard E. and Gertrude “Sis” (O’Brien) Maynard.  He graduated from Commerce High School in 1961, where he played four years of baseball and basketball and was Senior Class President. He has lived in Worcester all his life.

Dick worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probate Court in Worcester, MA for the past 17 years as a case worker.   He previously worked at Holy Name Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School as Head Custodian.  Dick also worked as a  cleaning contractor, in charge of Worcester’s Federal Building.

Dick was an avid candlepin bowler for St. Stephen’s when he was younger and held the record of 222 at Colonial Bowling Alley, but Dick’s big love was baseball, then basketball, football, and hockey.  He loved and supported the Boston Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins.   He started playing baseball at a very early age for the Jack Barry little League, Lake Park Summer League coached by the Tivnan brothers, Grafton Hill American Legion, and the Cape Cod League in Harwich, MA.  He was looked at by Pro Scouts who wanted him to attend college down south to get in more playing time.  At that time Dickie’s father said he had a good job and discouraged him from attending college, so he never knew whether he would have made the pros or not.  It was a decision that both he and his father regretted.  Dick tried to join the military twice, but they wouldn’t accept him because of his knee injury from playing basketball.

Dick’s coaching career began the first year he was married and continued most of his remaining years.  It all started when his wife’s cousin asked for his help in wanting to beat this particular team in the Tom Ash Little League, which they did and went on to win the league championship.  Dick coached most of this team in the Tom Ash Babe Ruth League (13-15 yr. olds).  His team was called the “Hip Bone,” and they won consistently thirteen years in a row.

His legion coaching career began when he was asked to be the assistant coach for East Side American Legion Post.  He later became the Head Legion Coach for Grafton Hill American Legion Post #323 and coached many years to this day.   When the Post was sold and dissolved, he brought his team to the Vernon Hill American Legion Post which lasted for many more years.  When Grafton Hill American Legion found a new location for their Post at the Marine Corp on Lake Ave, Dick decided he was going to bring his team back home to Grafton Hill as general manager and coach.  Nay-sayers said that Grafton Hill Post legion baseball would never be able to do it because of everything involved. Dick with all his know-how, and determination Grafton Hill won the league championship that year.  What a comeback!

Dick was also head baseball coach at Holy Name Junior-Senior High School, coached the girl’s JV basketball team, and assistant coach on the girls’ varsity basketball team, and even coached their golf team, for many years.    Dick loved Holy Name and what it stood for.  Throughout the years, Dick helped many baseball and basketball students get into colleges they didn’t think they could get into to pursue their dream.  He was an ear to any student who needed advice or help with personal issues.

Dick has received many honors recognizing him for his dedication to baseball and the youth in the community. In 1998 Dick had the honor of coaching the Massachusetts team in the MCBA All-Star game at Fenway Park. In 2002 Dick was voted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association 200 Victory Club.  Dick was presented the Bill Wickman Award by the Central Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association.  On February 2, 2008, Dick was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and received an Award of Distinction.  He was so excited and honored.  On December 3, 2015, Dick was nominated and honored at the Annual Nick Manzello’s Friendly House Galaxy of Stars.

Dick loved being with his wife and daughter.  He also loved going on family vacations each year to Pompano Beach, FL in March to be with long-time friends, Nancy and Paul D’Amore, and Newport, RI, Old Orchard Beach, ME, and Saratoga, NY during the summer months.

One of his best vacations was in Toronto, Canada where, at the time, J. P. Ricciardi was the GM of the Toronto Blue Jays.  Dick had coached J. P. in the Tom Ash Babe Ruth League and they remained friends ever since.  J. P. had given Dick a field pass and Dick was in his glory on the field prior to the games.  He met and talked with the coaches and players of the Toronto Blue Jays and opposing team’s (the Yankees) coaches and players.  He also passed out used baseballs to the young kids in the crowd who were so excited to receive one, with huge smiles on their faces.    Dick is a member of St. Stephen’s Parish in Worcester. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Sunday, May 19th from 3 PM to 7 PM in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Monday, May 20th from the funeral home with a procession to his church, St Stephen’s, 357 Grafton St where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated by his long-time friend, Rev John Madden at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Grafton Hill American Legion Baseball program, or the Holy Name High School athletics program, Granite St Worcester