Richard J. Latulippe

Richard J. "Dick" Latulippe, 82, of Methuen, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, surrounded by his devoted family. He was the beloved husband of Rita J. (Archambault) Latulippe, with whom he shared fifty-eight years of marriage filled with laughter, love, and adventure.

Born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Dick was the son of the late Roland and Antoinette (Pouliot) Latulippe. A proud graduate of Central Catholic High School, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University, setting the stage for a long and distinguished professional life.

Dick began his career in banking, where his reputation for integrity and precision quickly set him apart. He later joined Chiquita Banana, where his work ethic, intelligence, and quiet leadership carried him through a remarkable career that spanned decades. His time with Chiquita took him and Rita around the world: across South America, to Antwerp, Belgium, and to Bermuda, experiences that deepened his appreciation for people and cultures far beyond home. He retired in 2000 as a senior executive, admired by his peers for his humility, loyalty, and genuine respect for others.

Beyond his professional success, Dick was a man of great depth and devotion. He cherished time with his family above all else; his wife Rita, his children Maria, Doug, and Mike, and his six adored grandchildren, Katharine, Rebecca, Noah, Matthew, Greyson, and Vivienne, who brought him immense joy.

Sundays were sacred to Dick. Each week, the family gathered around the table for the French Canadian card game 45s, a tradition that began decades ago and became a centerpiece of family connection. Dick loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to play, and while his competitive streak was well known, it was always the shared laughter and time together that mattered most to him. He played to win, but he valued the company more.

He was also an avid bowler, achieving the distinction of a state championship, and a dedicated tennis player who relished both the challenge and the camaraderie of the sport. Dick had a dry, subtle sense of humor and an appreciation for a well-timed quip, even if he wasn't the one to deliver it.

Dick and Rita shared a lifelong love of travel that carried them across the globe, with a special fondness for cruising. Whether exploring new cities, enjoying the ocean breeze, or simply sitting together in quiet companionship, they collected a lifetime of memories that reflected their shared spirit of curiosity and joy.

At home, Dick was happiest with a book in hand and a classic black-and-white film playing on TV. He was a man who found peace in simplicity, meaning in family, and strength in constancy.

Dick was predeceased by his brother, Robert Latulippe. He leaves behind his cherished wife, Rita; their three children: Maria Latulippe and her husband Dan McAllister of Ambler, PA; Douglas Latulippe and his wife Patricia of Woodstock, GA; and Michael Latulippe and his wife Jen Johnson of Dedham, MA; his sister, Pauline Lustenberger; his adored grandchildren, Katharine, Rebecca, Noah, Matthew, Greyson, and Vivienne; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, an organization close to Dick's heart.

Family and friends are invited to honor Dick's life at calling hours on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA. A funeral Mass celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Lucy Church, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen, MA. Interment will be private.