Richard E. McCauley

Richard E McCauley of Rockland passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022, Memorial Day, at home while surrounded by his loving family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years Dorothy (Gardner) McCauley, his parents, Agnes (Everard) and Elmer McCauley, his brother James McCauley, his sisters Marianne Dignan and Gail Alcarez. He was a devoted father to his 6 children, Elaine (John) Meehan of Brighton, Maria (Edward) Joseph of Rockland, Annemarie (Matthew) MacDonald of Norwell, Richard (Sherry) McCauley of Mason, Ohio, Michelle (Jeffrey Bailey) McCauley of Whitman and David McCauley of Boston. He adored his ten grandchildren Austin, Nina and Spencer Joseph, Delaney and Reagan Meehan, Liliana and Colin MacDonald, and Parker, Carter and Richard (Rexy) McCauley, who lovingly called him their Papa. In his eyes, the sun rose and set on the grandchildren, and they could do no wrong. Richard is survived by his loving siblings: Elaine McCann, Joyce Morrissey, Margaret Hamilton and George McCauley; his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Richard was not only a dedicated husband and father, he was also very hard working. He went to school in Boston and was a talented football player. As a young man, he joined the Navy and valiantly served in the Vietnam War, on the USS Albany, USS Stone County and on the river boats. He was a true American Hero in every sense of the word. He never would miss an opportunity to pay respect, thank and shake hands with a fellow veteran or young soldier.
For many years, he worked in auto sales at Carney Buick, Garvey Oldsmobile, Howard Chevrolet, Best Chevrolet and eventually found his true passion recruiting students for Wyoming Technical Institute. He traveled far and wide to share the opportunities the school had to offer upon successful completion of any one of their programs. With an unwavering faith in God, he was a proud member of Holy Family Church in Rockland where he could be seen on any given Sunday taking collections in a snazzy suit, prior to the pandemic.
Richard was an avid swimmer and tackled every body of water he could, no matter how challenging the surf. His favorite swimming spots were on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard where he spent summers growing up and vacationed with his own family every year. He loved to travel the world and always enjoyed a good road trip. His sense of direction was unmatched. Prior to the advent of GPS, he was able to get his lost children home safe on far too many occasions.
Richard loved a good party and was overjoyed when his children held an event in his honor. It was always a pleasure to celebrate this amazing man. All who knew him benefitted from his kindness, generosity and comedic rants. He had a story for everything and would share his love for life, the straight skinny and then some to all who would listen! Family was always Richard's first priority. He made his children and grandchildren feel they were the most special, loved people on the planet. This love transcended to cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, etc. One of his greatest joys was attending his grandchildren's sporting and arts events, while proudly donning school colors. He would drive them wherever they needed to go, usually stopping for a sweet treat on the way home.
Richard was so very strong right to the end with his children, their partners, grandchildren, and other loved ones by his side every step of the way. He is now in heaven with his beloved, beautiful wife Dorothy, and the family and friends that went before him. Remember his smile that could light up a room, his incredible zest for life, his devotion to his family and absolute love of people. Hip, Hip, hooray, Charge and hold that tiger! We will miss you like crazy, till we meet again! ONE MORE TIME!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Scituate Animal Shelter, 780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate MA 02066 in Richard's honor. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church, 403 Union St, Rockland MA on Tuesday June 7th at 9am and burial to immediately follow at Holy Family Cemetery, 92 Centre Ave, Rockland MA