Richard B. Hawkins MD
of Fitchburg; 75

FITCHBURG -- Richard B. Hawkins MD, 75, of Fitchburg, passed away Thursday, December 29, in Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster.

Richard was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on November 8, 1941, a son of the late William and Miriam Hawkins. He graduated from Kennett High School in Pennsylvania and went on to Harvard College in Cambridge, MA, where he graduated with honors in Social Relations. In 1969 Richard received his Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his surgical internship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Richard trained in Orthopaedic Surgery in Boston at various hospitals for three years. Until his retirement, he worked in private practice in General Orthopaedics, where he was instrumental in bringing the practice locally.

In 1981, Richard received a certificate of appreciation from CARE-MEDICO at the Dahka National Orthopaedic Hospital in Dahka, Bangladesh, where he spent a month volunteering. He was a member of the North Medford Running Club and the Optimum Performance Cycling Group. He loved running and he loved riding his bicycle. On any given day from April through November, he could be seen riding his bike up and down Mount Wachusett. After his retirement from medicine, he worked for the Wachusett Brewing Company.

Richard is survived by his beloved and best friend, Kathie Cioffi; sons, Graham Hawkins of Boston, Spencer Hawkins and wife Stephanie of Berkley, CA; grandsons, Oliver and Axel of Berkley, CA.

He was predeceased by his brother John Hawkins.

Happy trails, Hawk…..

HAWKINS -- At his request, funeral services and burial will be held privately. Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Dec. 31, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hawkins

Sponsored by SentinelandEnterprise.com.

7 Entries

Laura Shotwell

January 3, 2017

I am so sad to hear of Hawk's passing. We had worked together doing Independent Medical Evaluations since 1992, and his advice was instrumental in helping me start my own company back in 2004. Whether it be working with a complex medical issue or doing presentations to insurance carriers, I've never known a more enthusiastic, tireless person always trying to, above all, do the right thing. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. He always kept a small notebook in his shirt pocket with notations on how to say "Hello" in as many different languages as he could learn so he could greet everyone he met. Such a great way to break the ice with a patient!

Hawk was a superb pilot. He knew I was fascinated with flying, he encouraged me to learn - and he was the first one I called when I passed my Private Pilot checkride. I met my husband through flying, so to say Hawk had a major hand in changing my life for the better would not be an understatement.

I will so miss our occasional emails catching up about work, travels, and flights.

Blue Skies, Hawk!
Laura (Cascella) Shotwell
Professional Evaluation Network, Inc.

Linda Gendron

January 2, 2017

Hawk did surgery on my husband's knee many years a go and being a nurse I have known him for a long time. Lovely, kind, gentle man...I am so sad at his loss....Happy trails Dr Hawkins and hugs to you Kathie and all of his family! He will be missed by all!

Hal Melanson

January 1, 2017

In 1979 after a devastating soccer injury I was lucky to have Dr Richard Hawkins re-attach my medial collateral knee ligament that was torn from the bone. With his skill and guidance I was ski racing within 6 months. For 38 years since I have not missed a single day of ski racing or soccer due to this knee. I have not taken this for granted. I have always maintained Hawk saved my athletic life... My sincere condolences.

Phyllis LeBlanc

January 1, 2017

To Kathy and all of Hawk's Family we wish you our deepest sympathy. The Pan Mass Challenge won't be the same without his optimistic spirit and shining smile.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Phyllis, Nel and Chris LeBlanc and the crew of the Anchor-in Hyannis

Stephen Black

December 31, 2016

RIP dear friend. So many great memories and good times I'll never forget the or you. You touched us in so many ways. Grateful for the time we had.

Jim Raymond

December 31, 2016

Not only a great surgeon but one of the nicest human beings I've ever had the pleasure to know. So Sad

December 31, 2016

If it weren't for Dr. Hawkins..I would not be walking today! I owe much to this Man for treating me, and sending me on to Children's Hospital...My condolences to His Family. Donna H.

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