Richard Warren Estes

BEVERLY – Mr. Richard Warren Estes, 92, of Beverly, beloved husband of Lillian (Wolczik) Estes, died peacefully at Beverly Hospital with his family by his side.

Born in Lynn, "Dick" was the son of the late George and Esther (Hoelslok) Estes. He was raised and educated in Lynn and graduated from Lynn English High School. He began his college days at Wentworth Institute before transferring to Northeastern University, earning his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. At Northeastern, he was a member of the R.O.T.C program and brother of the Beta Gamma Epsilon fraternity.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as a commission officer and 1st Lieutenant with service at Fort Drum, Fort Belfore and Fort Dix.

Mr. Estes began his civilian professional career with the Raytheon Company and matriculated to Craig System Corporation, where he rose to the level of President and later group president within Kidde. His responsibilities brought him to many regions of the world far away from Lynn, including France, Holland, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland. He was respected for his dedication to his profession and his co-workers.

A resident of Lynn, North Reading, Boxford, Topsfield, Wilbraham, and Stratham, NH, Dick was active in professional and civic groups and organizations, wherever he resided. He was President of the Merrimack Chapter of United Way and served on the Governor's Council of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). He was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Topsfield, where he served as a Senior Warden and was a member of the choir. Dick was an active Mason as a member of the former New Meadows Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Topsfield and was the Scoutmaster for Troop 81 of Topsfield.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed spending his time out of doors, especially at his summer home in Winchendon and his seasonal residence in Tierra Verde, Florida. He was an avid gardener, always taking extra care and pride with growing his tomatoes and strawberries. He especially loved seeing a smile come to the face of those he shared his home-grown fruits and vegetables with. He relished time spent in care of his land and had a true passion for hand built stone walls and their restoration. Above all, he was happiest when surrounded by his family.

Dick and Lillian have been together for 77 years, would have celebrated 70 years of marriage in late August. They first met as 10th grade classmates sitting beside one another in Latin Class at Lynn English High School. They created a loving family and many fantastic memories over the years. Dick lived life to the fullest, dedicating himself to family and faith. He will be missed and always remembered.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lillian (Wolczik) Estes of Beverly, his children, Andrew Estes of Hampstead, NH, The Rev. Jennifer Vath, and her husband, Jim of Lynnfield, and Matthew Estes and his wife, Rebecca of Topsfield, his 6 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Margaret Estes Krygowski, Shirley Estes Leinow, and Charles Estes.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Richard's Funeral Service which will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 River Road, Topsfield, Saturday, August 16that 1 P.M. Interment will follow in the Trinity Church Memorial Garden, Topsfield. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Dick's memory to National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014 or to Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 River Road, Topsfield, MA 01982. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.