Richard Allen Vinton

Richard A. Vinton, of North Providence, RI, formerly of Sandwich, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on October 4, 2023. Richard, also known as Dick, was born on June 3,1935 in Worcester, MA. He is survived by his two loving and dedicated daughters Maryann Vinton Lonks and her husband Dr. John Lonks of North Providence, RI, and Anne Vinton Roth and her husband Alan Roth of Wallingford, CT. He also leaves his four beloved grandchildren and five great grandsons: Sara Lonks Wong, her husband Andrew Wong and their son Brady; Richard Lonks, and his fiance Julie Reddy; Michael Roth, and his wife Lisa and their sons MJ, Luke, and Jack; James Richard Roth, and his wife Ashley and their son Logan. Richard is also survived by some very special lifelong friends and loving nieces and nephews. Richard’s partner in life, his wife of 56 years, Barbara Sweeney Vinton, predeceased him on April 14, 2020. Richard was the son of George and Madeline Vinton. He had one brother Edward and one sister Louise.

Richard graduated from South High School in Worcester, MA, and was a longtime resident of Auburn, MA, with his wife and two daughters. Richard had an accomplished sales career with Hill Bros. Coffee/Nestle Beverage Company. Through his success and sales incentive achievements, Richard and Barbara traveled the Caribbean. From their early married years traveling to Europe, Bermuda, countless vacations at Hampton Beach, NH, and traveling down the East Coast, Richard loved the sand and surf. Richard and Barbara retired to Sandwich, MA in 1992 and enjoyed 18 joyous years and summers on Sandy Neck Beach with their family. He cruised around with his convertible top down and rode his bike around the neighborhood to greet all his neighbors. “Old Cape Cod” was his favorite song by Patti Page. He danced to this song, with his granddaughter Sara, at her wedding.

Richard was very enthusiastic for life and made the most of each day. He was always very involved in the community, including serving as president and an umpire of the Auburn Lassie League Softball, a member of the Auburn Rotary Club, a basketball coach for St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Auburn, MA, a volunteer greeter at Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI, and even held theatrical roles including as Beelzebub in a production of Guys and Dolls in Auburn summer community theater. He proudly made hot dogs every month for his grandchildren and the students of St. Augustine School in Providence, RI, and dressed up as Spongbob for one of his grandson’s birthday parties. He was deeply passionate about his grandchildren and enjoyed their sporting events, dance recitals, and school events.

Richard loved sports including boxing, baseball, and bocce. His favorite was basketball and he was a talented player in his youth. He cheered on the Holy Cross Crusaders and later in life became a Friars fan beginning when his daughter Anne attended Providence College. He was a Friar season ticket owner for decades and met many of the coaches and players over the years. His love for the sport grew even more when he proudly watched his grandsons play.

Richard loved dogs. He raised his daughters alongside Fritz (the toy poodle). He adored his grand puppy Murphy (the soft-coated wheaten terrier).

In more recent years, Richard is remembered for his amazing love, patience, and fortitude as he supported and cared for his wife Barbara every single day through her health needs. Richard’s dedication was unwavering.

Richard’s ability to light up every room he ever entered will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His family will think of him everyday and especially every time they play cribbage and checkers or enjoy hot dogs and popcorn.

All relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine Church, 20 Old Road, Providence, RI, 02908, on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 9:30am. Following mass, all relatives and friends are invited to proceed to Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street, Worcester, MA, 01603.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Holy Trinity School, 11 North Whittlesey Ave., Wallingford, CT, 06492 (where his daughter Anne is the second grade teacher and Richard enjoyed being part of the school community) or St. Augustine School, 635 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI, 02908 (where Richard loved being part of the school community with his daughters and his grandchildren).