Richard A. Wakefield

Richard A. Wakefield, 87, of Lynn, passed away Saturday, June 10, at Beverly Hospital, following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Carolyn (Vitale) Wakefield, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Richard was born on September 22, 1935, in Arlington, MA, son of the late Dexter F. and Josephine (Libby) Wakefield.

Richard spent his childhood in a home built by his grandfather, John Mossman Libby, in Billerica, MA, and in Guilford, ME with his Aunt Jean, Uncle George, and his cousins, Debby and Stephen. His grandfather inspired his interest in trains which he maintained throughout his life. He enjoyed exploring the woods and hiking the Appalachian Trail.

He graduated from the old Howe High School in Billerica in 1954 and participated in Silver Mittens Boxing in Lowell. He later served in the Naval Reserve and the United States Air Force with a tour in Terrejon, Spain. His memory of drinking Fundador brandy in Spain became an annual tradition for him, enjoying a toast with his best friend, Richard Allen and his wife Angela.

Richard was a lifelong learner. He attended Middlesex Community College and Suffolk University. He had a keen interest in the Middle East and loved discussing politics with his good friend John "Ziggy" Zavaglia, and reminiscing about his days in Terrejon, Spain with his USAF friend, Ed Roselli. He loved to write, including poetry, short essays, his memoirs and letters to friends.

He worked as a bookkeeper for many years and then became a Library Assistant at the Lynn Public Library, where he was affectionately nicknamed "Dickbert". After his retirement in 2001, he was appointed to serve as a Library Trustee at the Lynn Public Library. He also served as treasurer of the Friends of the Library in Lynn and at the Saugus Public Library, where his wife was Assistant Director. For many years he volunteered his time to keep the books for Santa's Helping Hands in Lynn.

He enjoyed listening to classical music, especially opera and Spanish guitar, smoking his pipe, and playing Freecell and word games on the computer. He also love to plan and take road trips in the United States and Canada with his wife and spending time in Wells, ME.

His wish was to not have any services, but to have his ashes spread at a special location of his choosing.

His favorite charities were St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Children's Hospital, and Beverly Hospital where he received such wonderful care during his illness. Arrangements by the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, Lynn. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com