Richard J. Powers

Richard Joseph Powers died in Hyannis on December 30, 2020, at the age of 94. Born in Boston and raised in Watertown, Richard was the eldest son of Richard J. Powers, Sr. and Nora O’Callaghan Powers. He graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Watertown as president of his senior class.

Immediately following graduation, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Easy Company, Second Battalion, 29thMarines, 6th Marine Division, as a BAR automatic rifleman on Okinawa during World War Two where he fought in the battle for Sugar Loaf Hill. Transferred to Guam for the invasion of Japan, the war ended and he was then stationed in Tsingtao, China with the Marine Military Police. It was during this time that he was selected as an honor guard for the ceremony held in Tsingtao for the surrender of all Japanese forces in North China.

Richard was recognized for his military service with the awarding of the following medals:

World War II Victory Medal

American Theatre Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal

China Service Medal

Presidential Unit Citation

Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Richard returned to Watertown and served with the Watertown Fire Department as a firefighter, engineer and EMT for the next 37 years. Known as “Moe” by his fellow firefighters, he drove the engines, ladder truck and rescue to countless fires. A senior firefighter in the department, he mentored two generations of colleagues while continuing to hone his skills with fire and EMT courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Richard was a charter member of the Firefighter’s Union, Local 1347, in Watertown and member of the Charles J. Schutt Detachment, Marine Corps League, where he volunteered for many years. Retiring to Cape Cod, he lived in Dennis Village and then South Yarmouth. A master woodworker and model shipbuilder, many of his works will join museum collections.

Richard Powers was a gentleman and generous friend, always willing to lend a helping hand. He exemplified a great generation of men who fearlessly fought for their country, selflessly served their community and always sought to do the right thing. He will be greatly missed.

Richard was predeceased by his brother Robert, and sisters Agnes McElroy and Eileen McElroy. He is survived by his dear friend and fiancé Isabel and many nieces and nephews. Burial side services will be held outdoors on Wednesday, January 6, at 11:00 am, at Beechwood Cemetery, 1705 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA.