Richard Merrill Vail Jr.

Rick was the beloved husband of Susan J. (Gearty) Vail for 27 years and the loving father of Jake Vail and his fiancée Michaela Purdy, of Arlington, VA, and Sarah Vail, of Norwood, MA. Rick was the dear son of Richard and Sally (Bradford) Vail of Billerica, MA, and the much-loved brother of David Vail (Julie O’Neill) of Milton, MA, and Lyn Vail (Martin Smith) of Hampton, NH.

Rick was a genuinely caring, and thoughtful man. He embraced life and lived every day to the fullest. In the summer you would often find him in Marshfield where he would be floating in the ocean waves (sometimes with seals); enjoying the salt air sitting in his beach chair; camping in Maine where he enjoyed long boat rides, cooking meals with family, and being by the campfire. Rick was a strong center of gravity for many, with overlapping circles of friends, cousins, colleagues, and neighbors. He possessed genuine care and love for others; had the ability to make you laugh even when poking fun; and kept his family and friendships strong through his love, faith, and dedication.

Rick received a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. Motivated by a lifelong desire to aid and serve others, Rick went on to obtain a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. Rick has made a significant impact on the Norwood Youth community. Many will remember him as a Coach Vail, the mentor and motivator.

Through the strength of family and faith, Rick’s selflessness and determination guided him through six years of cancer treatment. Rick’s family will be forever grateful to the wonderful team of medical professionals who cared for Rick with loving support and dedication.

Friends and family are welcomed to attend the Visitation on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 10:30am at St. Timothy Church, Norwood with interment to follow at Highland Cemetery.

To honor Rick’s generous spirit, the family is establishing a scholarship in his name at Norwood High School. In lieu of flowers, they would welcome donations to this fund, https://www.gofundme.com/f/rick-vail-scholarship-fund

Rick rarely said goodbye without adding, “Be well.” We wish him peace, and we know that in return he would tell us all again: Be well.