Richard K. MacWilliams

Richard K. MacWilliams passed away on September 12, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Born in West Concord in 1944, Rick was the son of the late C. Waldo and Florence (Massie) MacWilliams and was predeceased by his brother Gordon and nephew Chuck MacWilliams. He leaves his sister-in-law Sylvia MacWilliams, his devoted partner Susan King, and many friends from all parts of his life.

A graduate of Concord-Carlisle Regional High School and Tufts University (class of 1966), Rick worked in industry as a mechanical engineer for 3M and several other companies before changing careers in midlife, getting his M.A. in clinical psychology from Lesley University, and working as a counselor and executive for Project Place. He also co-authored a book on conflict resolution with his friend James Cramm. In addition to this, Rick was a licensed pilot and dedicated volunteer for numerous environmental causes.

While these were his jobs, Rick's longest career and first love was music - as a tuba player, he played in countless Jazz bands, banjo groups and wind ensembles beginning in his teenaged years. For almost seven decades he performed all over New England and in national festivals with his own Commonwealth Jazz as well as the Legacy Jazz Band, Reinterpretation Jazz Band, Bay State Syncopators, Sandy McCone's Concord Junction Golden Redeemer Jazz Band, Fred Reynolds' Good Time Jazz Band, Wolverine Jazz Band, Squirrel Hill Jazz Band, New Liberty Jazz Band, Happy Feet Dance Orchestra, Dan Gabel's High Society Orchestra and as a member of the house bands at Sweeney's Gay 90's, Your Father's Moustache and the Sticky Wicket.

There will be no services, although a celebration of life and music will be held at a later date. Contributions in Rick's memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy and The World Wildlife Foundation.

Donate | The Nature Conservancy

Donate | The World Wildlife Foundation