Richard E. Monroe

Richard “Dick” E. Monroe, Sr. a resident of Reading for 52 years passed away on August 24, 2025, at the Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was 84 years of age.

Dick was born in Malden, Massachusetts on April 14, 1941, the son of Rev. William Irving Monroe, Jr. and Ruby E. (Gage) Monroe. Dick grew up in Bridgton ME, Dorchester MA, Peabody MA and Lowell MA. He graduated from Dorchester High School, class of 1959.

Dick retired from the Town of Reading in 2003 where he was a dispatcher for police, fire and EMS. Prior to this, he worked for himself completing paperwork for import/export shipments. He also worked part-time for Edgerley and Bessom Funeral home. Dick met the love of his life, Helen (Hinman), when they both worked at the First National Bank of Boston in February 1964. The story goes that Dick heard Helen’s laugh before he actually met her! They married in June of 1964 and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Dick was a family man and had many interests, including being a Scout Cubmaster when his son Richard was young, an auxiliary firefighter for the Town of Reading – an interest that was most likely sparked by his father’s service as chaplain for the Lowell MA fire department, he enjoyed boating, had a passion for fishing and was an active Massachusetts Freemason and Capitular Mason for over 62 years and a Cryptic Mason for over 58 years. He was initiated in 1962 to the Joseph Webb Lodge of Boston where he was Raised. In 1963 he was Exalted in St. Paul Royal Arch Chapter, Knighted in Saint Omer Commandery #21 (1965), and in 1967 was Greeted a Super Excellent Master for Boston Council of Royal & Select Master Masons. Dick served as Master of Joseph Webb Lodge (1974), High Priest of St. Paul Royal Arch Chapter (1969), Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter (2002), Illustrious Master of Boston Council (1977) and Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts (1998-2000). Dick also served as Commander of Saint Omer Commandery #21 (now United Commandery), Prior of Massachusetts Priory #52 of Knights of the York Cross of Honour (2008), Puissant Sovereign of Bay State Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, and an Associate Regent of Mayflower York Rite College #105 (2007). Due to his dedication, Dick was an Honorary Member of several Councils and Chapters. He also joined the Valley of the Boston, Massachusetts of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Dick also enjoyed “summering” in Kennebunkport, ME when time allowed. Most recently, you could find Dick on his back porch, completing puzzles.

Dick was the beloved husband of Helen (Hinman) Monroe. Devoted father of Diana Barney and her husband David of Buzzards Bay, MA; Beth Gilboy and herhusband James of South Portland, ME; Anna Monroe of Bow, NH and the late Richard E. Monroe, Jr. Loving grandfather, affectionately known as “Pa”, of Matthew Gilboy (Sarah Mason) of Nashua, NH; John Gasdia III of Buzzards Bay, MA; James-Michael Gilboy of Auburn, ME; Ryan Gilboy of South Paris, ME; Richard Gilboy, Liam Gilboy and Katie Gilboy all of South Portland, ME; and great grandfather of Weston Gilboy and Logan Gilboy, both of Nashua, NH and Juniper Gasdia of Buzzards Bay, MA. Cherished brother of the late William I. Monroe III and brother-in-law of Carol (Pierce) Monroe of Ormond Beach, FL. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held for Dick at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Tuesday September 2 from 4-7pm. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:30pm. A funeral service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday September 3 at 11am. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to The Rev. W. Irving Monroe Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Grand Council of Massachusetts, 186Tremont St, Boston MA 02111 or the charity of one’s choice.