RICHARD J. DENNIS Sr.

1925 - 2021

DENNIS, Richard J. Sr. A Life Well Lived Dennis, Richard J., Sr. of Boston, Newton and Scituate. With his two eldest daughters at his bedside, holding his hands, Richard James Dennis, Sr. peacefully passed away on January 12, 2021 from advanced age after having lived a very full life. Predeceased (in 2018) by his beloved wife Clare (nee Hailer), he is the loving father of Baby Boy Dennis ('50), Leslie A. Dennis of Quincy, Janet H. Dennis of Hingham, Richard J. Dennis, Jr. and his wife Linda of Canaan, VT, Mark H. Dennis and his husband Lawrence D. Keane of Arlington and Clare H. Dennis-Gregory and her partner Michael Williams of South Carolina. His grandson, Richard James Dennis, III brought him an immense sense of pride and 21 years of pure joy. Dick was born on June 21, 1925 in Mattapan of Gertrude M. Casey and George E. Dennis of South Boston. His father's death at 33 years of age resulted in Dick and his late brother George having their maternal uncle, Richard L. Casey as a surrogate father who, as Dick insisted must be said, was a most wonderful, devoted, loving and steadfast "father." His childhood was spent in close company with his aunt and uncle Webster and Eleanor Howard whose progeny were as sisters (6!) and brother to him, and who were a lifelong source of love. In 1937 Dick's mother, a widow, married James Michael Curley, a widower, four times Mayor of Boston, Governor of Massachusetts and two term congressman, thereby becoming JMC's stepson. Dick was gratified to be able, when asked, to represent his intimate experience of "The Governor" and of his fine character which was a balance to the hyperbole surrounding James Michael's charismatic and history-making political life. Dick's move to the Curley house on the Jamaicaway in Jamaica Plain, with summers in North Scituate, "between the lights" saw the establishment of friendships that lasted and thrived for the rest of his life and continue today, as his children's own circle of friends is heavily populated by the children, grand and great-grandchildren of those enduring friendships. Dick was a proud veteran of World War II, he served three years in the Army Signal Corps with some time spent overseas in the South Pacific/Guam. His lifetime career, from 1946 on, was centered in the family Real Estate firm of CASEY & DENNIS in Boston established by his grandfather in 1895. He pursued a specialized practice in appraising for more than 50 years, collaborating with colleagues he considered to be of the highest caliber. He was active in and held leadership positions in the Appraisal Institute and the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Dick was a teacher, lecturer and industry representative and sat on the City of Boston's Zoning Board of Appeal for 30 years, 16 as Chairman. He proudly served during the terms of three Mayors - Kevin White, Raymond Flynn and Thomas Menino. An avid Bostonian, Dick's various business offices overlooked the Old Granary burying ground on Beacon Hill from 1946. He cut a fine figure in that neighborhood and could be seen on summer days in a seersucker suit and boater hat. A tree was planted in his name by his children, on the Boston Common, on the occasion of his 65th birthday in 1990. Dick would not want to miss listing his various associations with The Family Tree Garden Center in West Roxbury, and his Footlight, Clover, Windsor, Brae Burn, Hatherly and (sometimes) Union club memberships. Born without one shy bone in his body and endowed with his mother's gifts for all things musical, Dick spent a good portion of his life celebrating it in fellowship and song around a piano. Dick marvelled at his good fortune, congratulating himself for his own determination in wooing and winning his beautiful bride Clare, always appreciative for her loving devotion and spirited push-back. Dick never faltered in his commitment to be the spiritual head of his family, all the while showing unconditional love for his children whose divergent paths and strong personalities would have tested the strongest of patriarchs. His children pledge to continue to share his loving legacy. While current conditions necessitate that the Services be private, rest assured that there will be a celebration worthy of his memory when the masks can be off! www.lawlerfuneralhome.com Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600

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