Richard Steven Packer

Richard Packer, 73, of Holliston, passed away on September 14th after a multi-year battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of 46 years to Emilie (Klein) Packer and the son of the late Morey and Gloria Packer. He is survived by his daughters Julia (Son) Huynh and Sasha (John) Connors and his cherished grandsons: Benji, Johnny, and Finn. He also leaves behind his brother Ken (Peg) Packer, mother-in-law, Ruth Klein; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Richard was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts where he grew up running around what he affectionately called "the old neighborhood" and spending time with his grandparents, brother Kenny, and friends.

After attending Boston Technical High School, he joined the family business where he honed his skills and obtained his Master Electrician license. His sense of curiosity in the trades led him to expand his business into fire alarms, networking, and fiber optics while operating as R. Packer Electrical Services. Eventually, his focus shifted to education, where he found fulfillment teaching and mentoring the next generation of electricians at various local technical schools. Richard is remembered by countless students as a caring, dedicated teacher and mentor who made a lasting impact on their apprenticeships and careers.

Richard was a man of many hobbies. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially when sharing those moments with his family. Whether bicycling, hiking, camping, sailing, or kayaking, he was most at peace surrounded by nature. His first date with Emilie – a climb up the Blue Hills – became a treasured family story that is still shared to this day. Some of his fondest memories were family adventures that went just a few miles too far with his wife, daughters, and dachshunds, affectionately named Weiner and Schnitzel.

Not only did Richard enjoy bike riding, but he also took great pride in building bicycles from the ground up – starting with the frame and selecting each component by hand. He also enjoyed tinkering with ham radios alongside his father- and brothers-in-law.

A lifelong learner, Richard nurtured deep passions for history and art, often turning family trips into adventures by stopping at historical sites and battlegrounds. He was also a voracious reader, always eager to share his latest discovery and spark thoughtful conversation. Although he did not earn a formal college degree, Richard took courses at several institutions throughout his life, earning credits in a wide range of subjects – a true testament to his intellectual curiosity and love of learning.

Richard leaves behind an enduring legacy, most notably through his greatest pride and joy – his three grandsons. His love of bicycling, passion for exploring the outdoors, and curiosity for tinkering and building will live on through them.

Shiva will take place at his late residence on Sunday, September 21st from 1:00-7:00pm with a minyan at 4:00pm. A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Torah on October 19th, time to be shared later. Donations in his memory may be made to Temple Beth Torah Caring Committee (2162 Washington St.; Holliston, MA) or Rail Trails Conservancy (www.railstotrails.org).