Richard D. "Dick" Keller, 84

Richard D. Keller, fondly known as “Dick”,  age 84,  of South Dennis, MA, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, died peacefully at home on March 19, 2013.

Dick was born in Boston, MA, on June 5, 1928, he was the dear son of the late George and Caroline (Boutenhouse) Keller.  Dick was raised in Mattapan and was a graduate of Hyde Park High School.

Following his graduation from High School, Dick enlisted in the U. S. Navy on June 18, 1945, during WWII and was stationed in New Jersey; upon his completion of active duty he was honorably discharged to the Naval Reserves.

When Dick returned home from the Navy he went right to work as a pressman for the Boston Globe.  Dick’s work ethic and his personality made him a favorite amongst his co-workers and in turn he made many life-long friends.  Dick retired in 1990 after 46 years of dedicated service to the Boston Globe.

Dick married the “love of his life” Shirley Gordon on April 1, 1950,  the couple moved to Wilmington in 1951, where they raised their three sons.  Dick and Shirley spent many great years together before her passing in September of 2008, they loved spending time with their family and friends traveling all over the United States, Spain, Israel, Egypt, and Canada.  Dick was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who enjoyed music, singing, and playing the keyboard or piano for his grandchildren.  Dick was also a huge NASCAR fan, following Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and more recently Danica Patrick over the years; he thoroughly enjoyed watching countless races with his family and friends.

Dick was very proud of his family and all of their accomplishments; he treasured family holidays, celebrations, and the time spent with each and every family member.  Dick and Shirley made many memories to share with generations to come.

Dick was very active in the community of Wilmington, always giving of himself and his time for others.  Dick was a member of the Friendship Lodge of Masons in Wilmington for 62 years, the Shriner’s Aleppo Temple in Wilmington where he was part of the Oriental Band and marched in countless parades bringing much joy to children, and was a very active member of the Wilmington United Methodist Church for many years.

Dick spent many summers with his family at their Cape House in South Dennis which he and Shirley built in 1985 before retiring to the Cape1991.  Dick belonged to the Masons Mount Horeb Lodge in Dennis as well as the North Side United Methodist Church where he served on the Executive Board.

Dick will be remembered as kind, caring, and most of all giving, he was always there to lend a hand, or an ear for anyone in need.  Dick was a wonderful family man and a true friend who will be greatly missed.
Dick was the beloved husband of the late Shirley (Gordon) Keller, devoted father of Douglas Keller and his wife Carol of Lowell, Richard Keller and his wife Maureen of Andover, and Kirk Keller and his wife Donna of Methuen, loving grandfather of Kim Keller of Manchester, NH, Michael Keller and his wife Carrie of Pelham, NH, Kristi Morris and her husband Jack of Andover, Meghan Keller and Courtney Keller both of Methuen, Kate Keller of Lowell, and six great-grandchildren, dear son of the late George and Caroline (Boutenhouse) Keller, brother of Dorothy Gaffney of Weymouth.  Dick is also survived by a dear friend and caregiver Robin Aselton of South Dennis MA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, March 21st from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel at the West Parish Cemetery, 129 Reservation Road, Andover, MA on Saturday, March 23rd at 10:00 a.m.  Memorial donations in Richard’s name may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.