Richard T. Larmer

Larmer, Richard T., 87, of Coventry RI, passed away early on the morning of 12 June 2021 at the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center with his loving family by his side.

Born 16 January 1934 in Philadelphia PA to Joseph and Isabella (O’Donnell) Larmer, Dick was the loving husband of Shirley (Johnson) Larmer for 65 years. Together they raised four children, Rick (Cathy) of Sylvania Township OH, Karen (Jack) Daley of Coventry RI, Kristen (Bob) Barber of South Kingstown RI and Michael (Amy) of Greensboro NC. Dick and Shirley also opened their hearts and home to 13 foster children, each of whom became an integral and greatly loved member of the family.

Raised in Philadelphia, PA at 317 Chadwick Street, Dick loved his Mom and Dad and has, throughout his life, cherished his relationships with sister Mary and her husband Paul, brother Joe and his wife Rose, brother John and his wife Linda. Dick’s brother Manny passed away at an early age but was always in his thoughts. Dick has long regaled his children with stories about growing up with them in Philly in the old neighborhood. In 2018 while on a trip to Philly, Dick and John stopped by 317 Chadwick and were quick to reminisce about their days there with the current owner who opened the door to chat with them. Another friend made.

Dick’s definition of close family included Shirley’s mother Bertha, sister Elaine and her husband Gene, brother Roy and his and our great friend Evelyn Langevin.

Dick counted among the greatest gifts of his life his grandchildren Jennifer (Andy) and Jessica (Jim) (Karen and Jack), Aaron and Noah (deceased) (Kristen and Bob), Grayson (Michael and Amy), Ryan, Emily (Casey) and Rachel (Rick and Cathy). And in just the last few years great grandchildren Winslow and Zadie (Jennifer and Andy).

Dick was also proud of his nieces and nephews, as well as their own children, and always interested in hearing the latest news of their lives. Julie, Christopher, Scott and Jeffrey (Joe and Rose), Stephen (John and Linda), Dina and Brooke (Mary and Paul), Gail, Gene, Darlene, Kevin, Kim and Sean (Elaine and Gene).

Dick served in the United States Army after which he and Shirley moved to Rhode Island in 1958, settling in Coventry on Washington Street and soon after at their longtime home on Valley Crest Road. Dick loved doing things around the house, working in the yard then taking a dip in the pool followed by a long rest in the sun in the backyard. He did not necessarily like shoveling snow or the ice that would sometimes form near the back door.

Shortly after settling in Coventry, Dick went to work at Bostitch in East Greenwich where he remained for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1997. During Dick’s years at Bostitch he met and worked with many wonderful people for whom he had great respect and fond memories. Reminiscing about those years and his coworkers brought out his warmth and wit along with many great stories. In retirement, he remained active and productive as an industrial safety and OSHA consultant before retiring again. Still young at heart and with energy to spare he drove a school bus in Coventry for several years, again meeting and making more friends.

Making friends, always smiling, extending a helping hand or words of encouragement along with being quick with a humorous quip were among Dick’s greatest qualities. Shirley and the kids can recite countless instances of being far from home yet seeing Dick run into someone he knew.  And when life was more serious he was always there for family, friends and anyone who needed support.

During his years at Bostitch he continually sought out opportunities for others whether through job recommendations or facilitating the use of the company’s support programs. He often talked about the people in his life who had reached out to him (including Morris Bromley who gave him his first opportunity there, as well as Marshall Shogren and Jerry Keltz who both saw Dick’s talents perhaps before he himself did) and how important not only it was to remember that but to find opportunities to do the same for those we encounter daily. He had many great memories of gatherings with friends of the RI Safety Association and the Bostitch retirees.

Dick was an active member of St. James Church and later Saints John and Paul Church serving as a trustee at St. James alongside his friend Eddie McManus and their close friend Father Jim Hynes. Dick also dedicated time in his life to visit with and befriend fellow parishioners who were not able to get out and about as they once had.

Dick was an appreciative man and those who have cared for him over the past couple of years as he encountered his health issues with grace and determination would be foremost on his mind. Our family is forever grateful to his doctors, nurses and support staff who fought for him and cared for him as though he were their own. Especially Dr. Dobrzynski and recently, his oncologist, Dr. Decarli, the nurses, staff and doctors at RI Hospital Unit 6A and Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center. Each of you brought comfort and peace to Dick as well as Shirley and our family.

It is with great sadness we have lost such a good son, husband, dad, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. It is with greater joy and peace we remember all the love, laughter and grace he brought to our lives.

His funeral will be held Friday, June 18, 2021 at 9:45 am from the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in SS. John & Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry.  Interment with military honors will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Route 5, Warwick.  Visiting hours Thursday 4:00-7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers contributions to SS. John & Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry, RI 02816 in his memory would be appreciated.  Information and condolences please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com

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