Richard L. Rotelli

Richard (Dick) L. Rotelli, age 91, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at Chelmsford Crossings on Thursday, February 5, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia E. (Tierney) Rotelli with whom he enjoyed 58 years of marriage until her passing in 2015.
He was born in Framingham on September 12, 1934, and was the son of the late Richard C. and Angela (Ortenzi) Rotelli.
Dick was raised in Framingham and went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechic Institute. He retired from a successful career at Raytheon in 1994. During all his years in Chelmsford, Dick was an active and devoted member of St. Mary's Parish.
In his younger years, Dick enjoyed tennis, wood working and was an avid piano player, composing his own classical music, delighting his family and friends. Dick fully enjoyed time with his wife Pat and children and was thrilled as the family continued to grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dick truly embraced his retirement and enjoyed traveling with Pat and many beloved friends. He also found a new passion of writing and published two books that have been enjoyed by many in Framingham, Chelmsford, and surrounding towns. His books titles are; A Creative Odyssey – The Story of Floyd and Richie (Dick's father), and Let Me Be a Light – The Faith Journey of Father Ron Lawson (Reverend at St Mary's Parish).
Dick was known for his great sense of humor and is quite possibly the creator of the Dad Joke. He was loved and will be missed by many.
Dick is survived by his children and their spouses; Richard L. Rotelli, Jr. and his wife Diana Rotelli of West Greenwich, RI, Thomas C. Rotelli and his wife Kimberly Rotelli of Roxborough Park, CO, Carole A. Beaulieu and her husband Thomas Beaulieu of Merrimack, NH, and Michael R. Rotelli and his wife Maryanne Rotelli of Pepperell, MA; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Sean, Mark, Maria, Kyle, Matthew, Dylan, Alex, Brendan and Dylan; his great grandchildren, Thomas, Jackson, Sydney, Eve, Zoey and Sophia; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11am at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Road, Chelmsford. KINDLY MEET AT THE CHURCH. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford.