Richard A. Halligan

Richard A. Halligan, 83 of Middleton died Sunday, September 7, 2025. Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Patrick and Mary (Mannion) Halligan. He was the beloved husband of Laraine (Leahy) Halligan with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.
Known to his friends and family as Dick, Dad, and Papa, he was one of six siblings, all who predeceased him, John, Sr. Helen, Tom, Walter, and Jimmy. In the 1920's both his parents emigrated from the Emerald Isle to the United States in hopes of making a better life for their families still in Ireland. Eventually, Mary and Pat met and raised a family of their own. Dick, the fifth of six children was influenced by the hard work of both his parents and began an early work career as a caddie at Happy Valley Golf Course, now known as Gannon Municipal. Much of Dick's life from his youth up until a few years ago, was spent roaming the grounds at, as he called it, 'The Valley'.
After graduating St. Mary's High School, Dick became a television repair man with RCA, then Sylvania. Thanks to a work place accident while installing an antenna, he was rushed to the hospital and cared for by a lovely nurse, Laraine Leahy. As an expression of gratitude for the great care Dick received from Laraine, an invitation to a Bruins game during the Bobby Orr era was offered and accepted. This began the courtship that turned into 59 years of marriage.
Dick and Laraine raised three children, David of Beverly, Deb of Peabody, and Steven of Newton, and have provided them with a lifetime of love, laughter, gratitude, and joy.
Dick always wanted to help others, always. He was a friend of Bill W. for 38 years and helped countless people both directly and indirectly. He provided care and comfort to his father, mother, and his siblings when they were in their time of need. And, when his beloved Laraine, or any of his kids or grandkids needed him, he was always there.
22 years ago, Dick became a Papa. He got 2 grandsons in 2003 Ben and Aidan, a granddaughter in late 2005, Julia and another granddaughter in 2007, Lily. Nothing made Papa happier than to spend time with his grandchildren.
Dick lived a life full of love and had a genuine love of life. He travelled several times to his 'homeland' of Ireland where he has so much extended family, and also to London, Madrid, Barcelona, and crisscrossed the US many times. Summer vacations at Hampton with his wife and kids and then to Maine with the entire extended family years later will be cherished memories forever.
In addition to his love of sports, he also had an insatiable love of history. We'll miss those conversations of shared books.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Richard is survived by his son in law, Greg David, daughter in law, Caroline Halligan, and daughter in law Whitney Geden. Each of whom he considered his additional son and daughters.
A celebration of life for Richard will be held September 20th at The Halligan residence in Beverly. Please contact Dave, Deb, or Steve for details. In honor of Dick and to carry on his legacy of kindness and helping others, the family requests you do something kind for someone today and any other day in his memory. Today is a gift, take advantage of it. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.