Richard T. "Dickie" Heslin Obituary (1938

Richard T. Heslin, 84, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Hathaway Manor in New Bedford surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia M. (Devlin) Heslin with whom he shared 53 years of marriage until her passing in 2015. He was born in Boston on July 26, 1938, and was a son of the late John and Mae (Rich) Heslin. Dickie, as he most affectionately liked to be called by his friends and family, grew up in Wakefield, MA. He attended and graduated from Wakefield High School and was a standout linebacker on the football team. In his final years he made it clear that some of his fondest life memories were of his time growing up there and the many friends he made. After high school, Dickie enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a radioman on the USS Fred T. Berry, a Destroyer Class Naval Vessel, before being accepted into an Officer Candidate Flight Training Program. It was during this time that he affirmed his passion for aviation, which eventually led him to becoming a long-time Flight Instructor in the private sector. Post military service, Dickie attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA where he was a Resident Assistant and also briefly played football. Dickie graduated from this University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology; however, continued his education at then Lowell Tech, now UMass Lowell, earning a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering. Dickie married the love of his life Patricia, and they bought their forever home in Chelmsford, MA where they raised 3 children. During this time, he was employed by Raytheon in Tewksbury, MA and pridefully worked on the Patriot and Hawk Missile projects. He eventually went on to do contract work for the United States Government as a System Analyst based out of Hanscom Air Force Base. Dickies life work is evidence of his love for his country and dedication to keeping it safe. He was a true patriot. In his spare time Dickie enjoyed spending time with his family or taking on a do it yourself project. Furthermore, he loved tinkering on cars and restoring antique radios. Richard leaves a son, Richard E. Heslin and his wife Sonja of Fairhaven; two daughters, Kathleen M. Kelly of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Elizabeth A. Boisvert of Boston; seven grandchildren, Lily, Caden, Emily, Sage, Cullen, Brittany, and Alexandria; two great-grandchildren, Christian and Bella; three brothers, Peter Heslin, David Heslin, and Jack Heslin; and several nieces and nephews. Sadly, he was predeceased by his son, Michael R. Heslin. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 1:00 4:00 pm in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9 am at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorial donations may be made in his name to The Wounded Warrior Project. Service Details Visitation When July 23, 2023 1:00pm - 4:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Mass of Christian Burial When July 24, 2023 9:00am Location St. Mary Parish Address 25 North Road Chelmsford, 01824 Interment When July 24, 2023 9:00am Location Pine Ridge Cemetery Address 130 Billerica Road CHELMSFORD, MA 01824