Richard Hooper Obituary
A craftsman mechanic, and MatCo, and Snap-On, Richie was known by all to be an exceptional mechanic. After many years of owning his own garages: Cook St Garage (Waltham), NBP Mobile (Needham), Treadwell's Auto Service (Dover), Richie retired from 13 years' service at Town of Needham DPW as heavy equipment mechanic.
Richie loved life, building hot-rods, bowling, golfing, movies and always ready for Karaoke and Elvis impersonations. He was the one person everyone knew they could call when something wasn't working. He was kind, hardworking, affectionate, fun-loving with a playful love for life.
His true legacy was his 58 years of marriage to his beloved, amazing and exceptional wife Christina and his 4 loving children.
Richie "Papa" will be lovingly remembered as a:
Affectionate Father: Richard Jr. (Kathryn), Matthew (Jennifer), Jessica (Randy Cosme), and Katherine.
Adored Grandfather: Elizabeth, Julia, Kiana, Benjamin, Rebecca, Corey, Victoria, Kylah, and Kathleen.
Greatest-Grandfather: Jameson, Jaxen, Bailey, Jonah, and Eevie.
Loving Brother: Denise, Jacqueline, Joe, Chris and David.
G.O.A.T-Brother-in-law: DeSimone, Breen, Morris and Quinlan families.
Richie lived a life of service, always ready to help others. He loved his faith as a Jehovah's Witness and left this life with a hope of seeing his family again.
In memory of Richie the family kindly asks in lieu of flowers… learn to fix your own car.
Elvis has left the building!
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 22 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin from 4-6 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
8 Entries
Joseph DeSimone
Yesterday
Richie was more than a brother-in-law to me. He was a bonus brother. One of three actually. How lucky was I?
He truly was there for me when I needed him.
He was my Bonus big brother.
Always including me in his life when I was younger.
He signed us up for karate class when I was a young teenager.
He taught me how to fix cars, ride a motorcycle, and let me borrow one whenever I wanted. Including the hot rods.
He'd show up at two o'clock in the morning with a tow truck to pull my car out of a snowbank because I was being reckless with my friends.
He'd be there to help me repair my dad's car that I crashed because I was being reckless with my friends.
He bought my motorcycle from me when I needed the money and twenty years later sold me his motorcycle when he retired from riding.
I could write a book about the things he did for me, the life lessons he taught me, and some things that I can't share here. But mostly about the kindness he bestowed on me and the gratitude that I have for it.
He truly is a big part of the reason I am the person I am today.
I will forever miss him, especially the bear hugs.
Jean and Christine Coutu
March 12, 2026
From the first time we met him, rischard was full of life, love, smiles. You couldn't help, but love him. He will be dearly missed. Til we meet again. Our love to his family, who i am sure will miss him very much.
Andria DeSimone
March 12, 2026
Best.
Uncle.
Ever.
Period.
Richie was the four H´s:
Hooper, Harleys, Hugs, and Humor
He always called me his favorite niece, but I said,"I bet you say that to all your nieces!"
His answer? "Yup, okay, you got me."
He loved his family and he loved hard. I am blessed to have been one of his posse.
RIP my Funky Uncle.....
Terri and Rick
March 12, 2026
Rick and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our fondest memories are of riding together on our Harleys and ending up at your place in Wrentham for bbqs. Thanks for sharing him with us Christine, he was a heck of a guy!
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Traci D'Antonio
March 12, 2026
To Katie and the entire Hooper family, sending you so much love. What a wonderful man you were blessed with. May he rest in peace. He will live on in your laughter and your stories.
Needham DPW
March 12, 2026
Christina and family, we send our deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Richie was so kind and always good at making us laugh.
May he rest eternal....
Your friends at Needham DPW
Lauren
March 11, 2026
Let us not leave out G.O.A.T. uncle and great uncle!!! His warmth, unconditional love, bear hugs, and noogies- were unmatched. We love you so much, Uncle Richie, and can´t wait to be reunited with you, very soon, in paradise. Until then we´ll just have to be patient and content with mediocre hugs.
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131 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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