Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Lima Obituary
Born in Stonington, he was the son of the late Manuel and Josephine Lima.
Richard was a graduate of Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, CT and a graduate of Providence College, class of 1961. He attained his Master's degree from Humbolt State College in Eureka, California. Richard retired after 40 years from the Groton Board of Education, Cutler Jr. High. While there, he pioneered "Project O", for oceanography and also wilderness experience for students. Richard enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a life member of the Westerly Yacht Club.
He is survived by his three children, Richard A. Lima Jr. and his wife, Darleen, and Mark B. Lima and his wife, Karen, all of Westerly, and Pamela Lima Machon and her husband, Norman, of Exeter; six grandchildren, Brittney, Katie, Lauren, Tori, Jackie and Ashley; and three siblings, Doug Lima and Deb Lima, both of Westerly and Diana Crooks of Colchester, CT.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7pm in Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Victory Church, 169 Main St., Ashaway, on Friday at 10am. There is no procession to the church from the funeral home. Burial will take place at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123-1718, in Richard's memory. For online condolences, please go to www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lima
Alisha Stebbins
September 13, 2013
Popi was one of a kind. He had a heart of gold and loved everyone who was part of his life. I have known Popi since I was 2 years old which has been 24 years now. He always supported everything we did along with Gram. Whether it was soccer games they were watching or entertaining my sweet Ana they always had a smile on their faces. I know Gram and Popi are in heaven smiling today, eating lots of candy from their mysterious candy jar and loving each other more and more each day in heaven. May you rest in peace Popi. You will always be in my heart and I will always love you as my own grandfather. <3 you always
Nancy Vennari
September 10, 2013
Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know your brother but its obvious that he was a wonderful man and loved by many people as is evidenced in his guest book. I already felt that through all our conversations about both he and Brenda on our daily walks at Foxwoods and always loved listening to your stories of your "Donna Reed" upbringing. I cant help but feel that you and your siblings were blessed to have been brought up in that environment. May those memories always bring a smile to your heart.
Frank & Mary Bliven
September 9, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
September 7, 2013
I worked with Dick for seven years at Cutler Middle and always enjoyed his enthusiasm and smile. He loved his family and was dedicated toward his students. He was a fun person to be with. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Tom Benoit, Mystic
Teresa Willis-Baruffa
September 6, 2013
Sorry for your loss, he was a great teacher, they needed more like him.
Christine Pacheco
September 6, 2013
Sorry for your loss, Our Prays are with your family in this time of grief.
Christine Pacheco & Family
John Martin Striebel
September 6, 2013
A farewell to a wonderful teacher! I enjoyed his classes, for one full year, and he always provoked a strong interest in understanding the scientific method and taught me to reject hypothesis which were proven observationally to be untenable! I only knew Mr.Lima in the classroom, but always felt relaxed, and happy in his class! Good bye sir!
God Bless the Lima Family with your love.
Fleurette Hickey-Fallon
September 6, 2013
To all: I am sad for your loss of this great teacher at Cutler. I am lucky to have had the best of the best teachers, today I remember the memories and the great education I was given. God Bless the Lima Family
Larry Bailey III
September 5, 2013
doug I am so sorry for your loss.
Toni Roderick Remor
September 5, 2013
Dear Lima family, I am so sorry for your loss. It brought back many memories of our years growing up in Stonington. Especially, my sympathy for Diana and Dougie.
Sue and Steve Durham
September 5, 2013
We taught with Dick at Cutler many years ago and remember him as a great teacher/friend/man. Our sympathy to his family and friends.
Wayne Grills
September 5, 2013
When you are somewhat prepared for a loved one to leave this life, it is still not easy to say goodbye. Dick is at peace now, and we will always remember him kindly. Our condolences, good thoughts and prayers are sent to the Lima family with God's Blessings.
Always in our hearts,
Wayne & Aileen Grills
Cindy Brazee Smith
September 5, 2013
To the Lima family, How sad I was to hear of Mr. Lima's passing. I was a student of his oh...so many years ago. Loved his Science class with his little funny antics of either tossing a piece of chalk to a student not behaving or that little rubber hose connected to the faucet and he'd squirt it out! He had great aim! He made learning so much fun...God Bless you Mr. Lima. You are one of my most fondest memories of Cutler Junior High 1966 - 1969.
Jill Morrison Greene
September 5, 2013
Dear Lima Family,
Mr Lima was our science teacher in the earily 80's We really enjoyed his class. Our deepest condolences to the family.
September 5, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our Prays are with you all in this time of grief. Know that he is in a better place now and at peace with his love ones that left here before him.
Arthur and Delia Lima
David Coxe
September 5, 2013
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Lima when I was at Cutler in the late 80's. I always enjoyed his class. My deepest sympathies to his family. We lost a great educator.
Brian Cutler
September 4, 2013
Mr. Lima was my science teacher when I was in 8th grade at Cutler Jr. High school in 1974. I wish to extend my condolences to his family for their loss. He was a great teacher!
John and Dianne Martin
September 4, 2013
Rick, Darleen, Katie, Tori, and Jackie, May the love of family and friends help you through this time of reflection and memories of your father/grandfather. Love and prayers to all. John, Dianne, Jack and Brianna
Karen Craddock
September 4, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Lima family. Like so many others leaving messages here, he was one of my teachers at Cutler Junior High School in the early 70's.....the memories are fond ones.
Joan Sponik
September 4, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the family.We were so sorry to hear of Dick's passing.Dick and I were classmate at Stonington High, until he left. We always played together growing up. when He came to Grandpa house in Pawcatuck. He will be greatly missed by all. Love Cousin Joan & Hank Sponik
September 4, 2013
Sorry for the Lima families lose, I too was a student of Mr.Lima in his first year at Cutler.
Walter Roderick, Mystic
Dawn (Oddo) Silva
September 4, 2013
Mr. Lima was one of the few good teachers I had in the early 70's. My condolences to his family.
kathleen brown
September 4, 2013
Thoughts & Prayers to Mr. Lima Family
September 4, 2013
I remember the entire Lima family with such fondness. WE had a farm in Old Mystic and they bought raw milk from us in the 60's. God bless you all.
John Foley
September 4, 2013
I was a student of Mr. Lima in the early 70's. I remember going on an extended trip with him and Mr. Adams. Great memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Jessica Williams
September 4, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Limas passing. He was a great science teacher who didn't take anyone's nonsense. :) my condolences to his family.
Jeff Poitras
September 4, 2013
A great teacher - I really enjoyed his science class. I am so very sorry for your loss.
ed victoria
September 4, 2013
dear lima family ,
while at cutler , mr lima was one of my teachers . i'am very sorry about his passing , as he was a great guy .my deepest condolences to your family
Beverly Morrone
September 4, 2013
Doug and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Brent Coombs
September 4, 2013
Mr. Lima was my teacher at Cutler Jr High also! The one thing I remember about him was his sense of humor while teaching. I often visit Cutler whenever I get up to Ct.
So sorry for your loss
Brent Coombs...Vero Beach,Fl
Dan Nourie
September 4, 2013
Mr. Lima was my 9th grade science teacher in 1976. He was one of my favorite teachers. I always looked forword to his class. May he rest in Peace.
Dave Pacheco Jr
September 4, 2013
Mark, Karen & Family
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael Cedio
September 4, 2013
He was one of the best teachers I had he made learning fun
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Lima's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Richard Lima
Funeral services provided by:
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Lima's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
