Richard F. Lyons– Age 84, beloved husband of Donna L. (Griffin) Lyons, died Tuesday, November 5 at Lowell General Hospital.
Born in Medford on September 22, 1940, Richard was the son of the late Timothy and Myrtle (Wackrow) Lyons.
Richard’s early years were spent in the Medford and Somerville area where he became a small business owner after serving in the Army. He moved his family to Billerica in the early 1970’s.
Richard was a sports enthusiast and loved all aspects of friendly competition but was also a history buff who enjoyed chess and discussing classic literary works like James Joyce’s Ulysses. He was most fond of and excelled in athletics from his youth and shared that love with family, friends and countless young people over his 50 years in town. The neighborhood could count on him to encourage some sort of recreation whether creating an ice rink in the backyard, whiffle ball games, pick- up basketball in the driveway or loading kids into the truck for rides to team practices. Luckier to have been driven home, there was usually an ice cream for your efforts. He sponsored teams in both the men’s softball league and youth baseball programs. He enjoyed playing Golf with friends and family. His favorite and most significant community contribution was his dedication and participation as a coach and mentor in the Billerica Pop Warner and High school football programs. It brough him so much happiness to share his knowledge and love of the game with young people. His impact was evidenced by the many players who continued to visit his home and seek his advice long after he retired from coaching. His family was always a great source of pride and he will be forever loved and missed.
Besides his devoted wife Donna, Richard is survived by his daughters Holly Crawford and her husband Jerry of East Haven, CT, Barbara Deming and her husband Kevin of Litchfield, NH; his son, David Lyons and his wife Catherine of Billerica; his grandchildren, Zachary Deming and Molly, Maggie, Emily and Lilly Lyons. He is pre-deceased by his son Richard F. Lyons, Jr..
At the request of the family, all services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to St. Jude Research Hospital.
