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| Richard “Dick” M. Travers |
Richard “Dick” M. Travers of Billerica, passed away peacefully
on Dec. 17th after a brief illness at age 76. Beloved husband of Linda
M. Travers. Devoted father of daughters Julie Pollock and husband Aaron
of Bradford, MA, and Lori Travers of Milford, MA. Adored Grampy to
Alanna, Caelum, Marlee, Brielle, Cian, and Jack. Loving son of the late
Gilbert and Elizabeth Travers. Dear brother to Robert Travers of
Andover, MA, Steve Travers of Merrimack, NH, and the late Donald Travers
of Fort Myers, FL. Treasured uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Originally
from Rockport, he was a 1962 graduate of Rockport High. He played
centerfield for the high school baseball team. His love of baseball
started at an early age with Little League and sandlot games filling his
summer; always eager to chase balls from anyone willing to hit them to
him at Evans Field. After high school, he wanted to keep playing ball,
so he and his good friend teamed up to bring back the Rockport town
team, and they worked together to gain them entry into the Intertown
Twilight League (the oldest active amateur baseball league in the
nation). He was recognized for this effort and inducted into the ITL
Hall of Fame. Richard never outgrew his love of baseball; fielding for
the Rockport Townies for 14 seasons, participating in Red Sox fantasy
baseball camp at the age of 50, making it into the playoffs in an Over
30 league at the age of 61, and still running the bases and throwing the
ball at a local ball field until recently.
Richard was a
good-natured man of service, integrity, and humor. He enjoyed situation
comedy and clever word play (he was a master of one-liners and puns, and
known for his sharp wit). He served 6 years in the National Guard, was a
deacon in his local congregation, and gave generously of himself to his
family. His grandchildren loved their fun Grampy, and he enjoyed making
them laugh. They knew when they had Grampy in their corner, their odds
for ice cream were high. From there always being a quart of Brigham’s
vanilla ice cream in the freezer, to knowing all the best local ice
cream stands from Kimball Farm to Cherry Hill Farm, he loved all things
ice cream.
An avid sports enthusiast, music lover, and television
and movie trivia expert - Richard was Google to friends and family
before Google. He had an unbelievable memory and could easily remember
obscure names, dates, and statistics. He loved old black and white
shows and westerns, two favorites being Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith
Show. After many years of grabbing up same-day tickets, Richard became a
season ticket holder to the Boston Celtics for 8 seasons, witnessing
the 68 and 69 Championships. He enjoyed composing original music and
recording covers of favorite songs in his home studio.
He began
his working career at the United Shoe Company in Beverly as a messenger,
and worked his way up the ranks to bookkeeping and accounting. Richard
was a Senior Accountant and dedicated employee for 32 years at John A
Penney Company of Cambridge.
He met his loving wife and best
friend of 45 years, Linda, at work during his years as Accounting
Manager at Limbach Company in Woburn. Their marriage was a true example
of unconditional love, and they were each other’s perfect complement.
They began their married life together in Woburn, later moving to
Arlington, MA to raise their two daughters, and finally settling in
Billerica in 2000 after finding their perfect home. Though he had many
passions and interests, his family was always his top priority.
While
there will be no formal service at this time, friends and family are
strongly encouraged to share stories and photos from Richard’s life to
bring comfort to the family at RememberingRichardTravers@gmail.com.
A
Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. He will be deeply
missed and forever remembered as an honorable man by those blessed to
have known him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
the Remembering Richard Travers Fund at PO Box 5376, Haverhill, MA
01835, or through PayPal at paypal.me/rememberingrichard This fund will
be used to create a lasting tribute in Richard’s name at the Kaplan
Family Hospice House of Danvers, MA. They provided compassionate care
and support during a difficult time. It is our intention to support
their mission by dedicating a brick in Richard’s name for their Garden
of Remembrance.
