Richard "Dickie” A. Qualey

Richard A. “Dickie” Qualey, 85, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family.

Dickie was a loving husband, a caring father, a special uncle and brother, a loyal friend, a great business partner and a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather; a man who wore many hats, naturally as he wore them all with grace, authenticity and love. He could always make everyone around him laugh. Everyone seemed to know him and in turn he knew just about everyone. He was a soldier, fireman, special police officer, and successful entrepreneur. A special man, spreading his love, laughter and care for those around him with ease and joy. Loyal, dependable and always there to help any and everyone in any way he could. Just one phone call away - “As It Should Be”, in his words / mantra.

Dickie, born in Worcester, son of the late Austin and Lena (Consiglio) Qualey, was a life-long resident of Shrewsbury and played an instrumental role in many areas throughout the town. He was a 1960 graduate of Shrewsbury High School, where he was a stand-out athlete and was inducted into the High School Sports Hall of Fame for his inherent talent playing football. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Army Reserve, where he was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, and was discharged in 1966. Upon his return to Shrewsbury, he began a career with the Shrewsbury Fire Department as a firefighter and was also a Special Police Officer for the Shrewsbury Police Department. He retired in 1978, due to a ruptured disc. He was instrumental in the creation of the Shrewsbury Police and Fire Fighters Union.

Dickie was a great entrepreneur and against many odds, he pursued his visions bringing them to fruition in creating, owning and operating multiple businesses including, McQuale’s, Indian Meadows, The Westside Grill, and had a palace gilded with crystals. His talents went far beyond the restaurant business, as he could fly a helicopter, ride motorcycles, drive a boat, and beat the best blackjack dealers the casinos had to offer. Dickie had a great love for food, family and close friends. Meeting with friends for coffee, spontaneous adventures, traveling, quality time with family, laughing and always offering a helping hand. He was a special one of a kind man. His memory eternal and forever in the hearts of every single person he touched with his special presence and gift of authenticity and integrity.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of sixty-three years, Dolores (Perna) Qualey; a beloved daughter, Melissa Qualey of Shrewsbury; a son, Stephen Qualey of Spencer; a brother, James “Jimmy” Qualey and his wife Patricia of Shrewsbury; three cherished grandchildren, Danielle Qualey of Shrewsbury, Anthony A.J. Qualey and his wife Charleigh of North Brookfield, and Ryan Qualey and his wife, Edivani of Worcester; five treasured great grandchildren, Anthony Jr, Kayden, Danica-Mae, Gianna, and Luca; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia St. Pierre.

The family would also like to acknowledge and extend a special thank you, deep love and gratitude to the very special family and friends who have been supportive over the many years throughout his long journey with Parkinson's Disease. Especially the many wonderful, dependable and kind caretakers and nurses he was blessed to have. These people meant the world to him. He was beyond grateful for them and cherished the very special and loving bonds, quality time spent, the many laughs and the truly special and quality care he received from each and every one of them. Thank you all.

Calling Hours and His Funeral Mass will all take place in Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east), Shrewsbury. Calling Hours will be on Friday, December 12, from 10 am until his Funeral Mass begins at 12 pm in Saint Anne’s Church. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Shrewsbury Fire and Police Relief Association, 11 Church Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

The family has entrusted MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL.