Richard Daniel Upton

Richard Daniel Upton, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home in Norwood, Massachusetts. He was born in Norwood on May 22, 1939, the son of the late Stanley H. and Flora Anne (McLeod) Upton. Known affectionately as Dick, he wished to be remembered in his own words: “I have lived a full and happy life”.

Dick grew up in Walpole, Massachusetts, where he was a proud hockey player. He made the team as a sophomore—an uncommon achievement at the time—and graduated with the Class of 1958. Rather than pursuing college, Dick set his sights on business, working for a dry-cleaning company whose owner hoped to expand the operation. Those plans changed when Dick received a letter from the U.S. Army notifying him that he had been drafted during the Vietnam War era. He was invited to attend Special Intelligence School—an honor he respectfully declined—choosing instead to return to his business responsibilities. Dick served two years in Baltimore and an added four years in the Army Reserves. 

It was during his time in Baltimore that he met the love of his life. As Dick loved to tell it, one Saturday afternoon he stopped at a restaurant near a medical center. He saw a woman walk in, asked her out the very next day, bought a ring on Monday, and knew immediately she was “the one.” He and Dorothy Anne Steinke were engaged only a few days before marrying on February 19, 1965, at Saint Mary’s Church in East Walpole. Their marriage was a true partnership and the foundation of a life filled with love, family, and adventure. Dorothy dearly wanted to be a mother, and together they were blessed with three children in quick succession. The family settled in Norwood, where Dick became deeply involved in the community. He volunteered countless hours with Norwood Hockey and was part of the founding team of Friends of Norwood Hockey, giving back to the sport and town he loved.

Dick worked for Goodyear before fulfilling his dream of business ownership, opening Dedham Wholesale Tire in Boston with the support of a loyal team.

Family was always at the center of Dick’s life. He did something few are fortunate enough to do—he brought his children on every trip he took so they could experience the world together. Family adventures included Paradise Island, Hawaii and countless ski trips, He and Dorothy also treasured their times at the Cape. At home, life was simple and joyful. Dick enjoyed walking for exercise and had a lifelong love of music, especially jazz. A self-described “jazzman”, he played the saxophone—not expertly, by his own admission—but with enthusiasm and heart.

If Dick could leave one piece of wisdom, it would be this: he believed in being friendly and positive. He always tried to see the good in people and situations and chose never to project sadness.

Dick was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy Anne (Steinke) Upton

Loving father of Amy Elizabeth Parlon and her husband Paul, Laurie Lynn Josepher and her husband Mike, and Christopher Richard Upton and his wife Tricia.

Cherished grandfather of Caitlin Parlon, Patrick Parlon, Emma Upton, and Ryan Upton.

Dick’s family would also like to acknowledge the compassion, care, and skill of Sharon Christie, who was his devoted caretaker and friend.

He was the brother of the late Robert Upton, Dorothy Jenks, Evelyn Quackenbush, and Stanley H. Upton, Jr.

He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dick’s Life Celebration on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, Massachusetts. Interment will be held privately at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dick’s name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or online at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/boston.