Richard M. "Dick" Ring

of Chelmsford, MA

Richard "Dick" Marshall Ring, 89, of North Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia Frances (Devlin) Ring. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on May 20, 1934, he was the son of the late Harold and Evelyn (Davin) Ring.

Dick graduated from Brighton High School with the Class of 1952 and later served in the U.S. Army, where he competed for the U.S. Army cycling team. His professional journey led him to become a skilled pipefitter with Union Local 537.

Dick was a nationally ranked competitive cyclist and speed skater, earning a spot as an Olympic alternate in both sports during his career. Renowned as the "Voice of New England", Dick became an announcer for bike races, leaving a lasting impact on the cycling community.

Dick was a passionate promoter of both cycling and speed skating. Together with his longtime friend Bill Farrell, Dick co-founded the New England Cycling Academy to teach new riders the fundamentals of cycling and proper training techniques. He led regular weekend training rides with members of his cycling club, the North East Bicycle Club. He also routinely maintained outdoor speed skating tracks on local lakes and ponds where he trained with other skaters from the community. As a father, grandfather, and cherished member of his neighborhood, he spent a lifetime encouraging and fostering the athletic pursuits of the young people in his life.

Dick was an avid athlete and outdoorsman. He found great joy in hiking, fishing, skiing, and skating with his children and grandchildren. He continued to pursue his love of speed skating and cycling into his 80s.

Dick is making his final journey alongside his loving wife whom he fondly referred to as his "girlfriend", Patricia "Pat" (Devlin) Ring, who passed away shortly before him on January 20, 2024. Their family finds immense comfort in the fact that they are together again in death, just as they were in life. Dick and Pat shared a lifelong love, which included 64 years of marriage. They enjoyed spending time at the beach, traveling, dancing, and being outdoors together.

Dick is survived by his treasured children: Nancy Falco and her husband Mark, Michael Ring and his wife Marsha, Kimberly Ring and Marc Turgeon, and Kenneth Ring. He was an adored grandfather to Cara Donnelly-Justus and her husband Charles, Amanda Falco, Aimee Falco, Julia Cochrane and her husband Kieran, Shannon Ring, Ryan Turgeon, Jack Ring, and Harry Ring. Dick also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Adeline Cochrane.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Catherine Devlin, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered fondly by the countless people in his life who he provided mentorship and support to.

He is predeceased by his son, Timothy Ring, who passed away in 1988, as well as his brother David Ring and his wife Peggy, and his sister Sheila Anthony and her husband Keith. He is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Francis Devlin Jr., and sister-in-law Nancy Ulrickson and her husband Carl.

Dick will be remembered for his dedication to his community, his achievements in cycling and speed skating, and his lasting presence as the "Voice of New England". His warm kindness and genuine smile were infectious to everyone he met. He leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. "Life is a journey, make sure you enjoy the ride!"





Richard Marshall Ring, died January 24, 2024. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 3 pm to 7 pm at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday February 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex St, N. Chelmsford, MA. The burial will take place in Pine Ridge Cemetery, 130 Billerica Rd, Chelmsford, MA. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the VA Central Western MA. Please make checks payable to VACWM, and mail to VACWM-CDCE 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053. Please reference GPF1002 and his name on the check. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com