Richard “Dick” Watkins of The Villages FL, 70, passed away on July 9, 2014. Dick, son to Leo and Irene (Therrien) Watkins was born in Methuen, MA. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and then joined the Air Force. He took a bride, June Hamel, on September 6, 1965. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and started his career at AT&T where he remained for 25 years. He obtained his BS in engineering and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an amazing father of three children, Trisha, Scott, and Jennifer. They resided in Lawrence MA, Andover MA, Wappinger Falls, NY and Pelham, NH. He was a man of great patience, few words, a medical miracle and a hero to all who knew him. He enjoyed golf, playing cards, shuffleboard, playing on his iPad, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He retired with his wife in Londonderry, NH and moved to The Villages, FL in 2008 along with many family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joanne Sciuto, brother, Roger Watkins, many aunts and uncles, mother and father in law, Alfred and Bernadette Hamel. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, June Watkins, The Villages, FL; daughter Trisha (Mike) Fruhbeis, Hampstead NH; son Scott (Nisha) Watkins, Manchester, NH; daughter, Jennifer (Mark) Berard, Oxford, FL; seven grandchildren Ross, Jake, Olivia, Chase, Gavin, Luke and Sarah; brother, Don (Marge) Watkins; sister Arlene (Ron) Veilleux; sister Jackie (Bill) Herzog, all of The Villages, FL; in laws, Al Scuito, Burlington MA, Gloria (Jack) Sullivan and Donna (Tom) Boland all residing in The Villages FL and many nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following at 5:00 p.m. A celebration of life funeral mass at St Patrick’s Church in Pelham, NH will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.
