Richard Jennings, Jr.

Richard R. Jennings, Jr. died on January 18, 2010 peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family. Born October 3, 1923, in Utica NY, he was the son of Hazel (Hamel) and Richard R. Jennings, Sr. and was the loving husband of Helen Virginia (Glennie) and the father of Richard J. (Mary) of Wakefield, Sharon (Fred Hupprich) of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Patti (Bill Kumpel) of Wakefield and John F. (Jon Larson) of Savannah. Also left to mourn is his cat Shatzie, his constant and loving companion. He also leaves his brother Walter K. of Dunedin, Florida and his sister Eileen McAtamney of Lawrence, MA and many nieces and nephews.

Dick and Helen were married in 1946 in Utica and soon moved to Somerville, MA and then moved with their 3 children to Wakefield in 1954 welcoming John in 1962. From 1943 to 1945 Dick served in the Army as a medic in North Africa and Italy earning a Victory Medal among other awards.

Dick was with the Railway Mail Service until 1970 and then went to the Medford Post Office as the night supervisor and completed his postal career in East Boston retiring in 1978. Dick had a very successful painting and wallpapering business which he continued until 1993 when he really retired.

One of highlights of his professional life was his award in August 2009 when he was honored at the Smithsonian Postal Museum in Washington DC, where the Railway Mail Clerks were honored for service as they dedicated the permanent exhibit at the Museum. He was also recognized in the Congressional Record on December 17, 2009 for this. In addition, Dick was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus in Wakefield and a member of the VFW.

Dick and Helen celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on January 12th. Their long life together included travels throughout the United States, Caribbean and Europe. While traveling they took great joy in unloading their bicycles from their car and riding through the small towns of America never meeting a stranger.

Dick's greatest joy was his family including his children and his six grandchildren, Amy and Emily Kumpel and Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthew and Christopher Jennings. He also left many dear long time friends. Dick is remembered by all for his wonderful sense of humor and his warm and loving ways. He is already missed by all who knew him.

The service will be private and family requests no flowers, however, if friends wish they can contribute to Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry or a charity of their choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield.

Read Richard Jennings, Jr.'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Service

Private