Richard F. Courtney Sr.

LYNN - Richard F. Courtney, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2015 in the comfort of his longtime home and the presence of his proud family. He was the beloved husband of Marie “Norma” (Campbell) Courtney for 67 years. Being the youngest of three brothers close in age, “Richie” spent his formative years in the “wake” of Arthur and Kenny and their boyhood shenanigans. Just when they thought they had ditched him, there he was at the next corner. This humble trio would grow to be a symbolic example of brotherly comradery, competition, and love. As a young man, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was stationed in Denver, Colorado. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Lynn. His fondness of the ocean led him to meet a lovely, young woman named, “Norma” Campbell at Fisherman’s Beach. She soon became his bride, his companion, his “rock”. With his young family growing, Richard began employment in the garment industry where he quickly achieved pattern maker status. Upon the inspiration and recommendation from his step-father, Lynn Police Lieutenant Inspector, William Gillespie, he became a reserve Lynn police officer in 1956. His exemplary career in law enforcement spanned over three decades with several outstanding commendations and unprecedented achievements. Richard’s interests and talents were endless. He was an avid model airplane enthusiast. He enjoyed creating these marvelous aircraft as well as flying and crashing them.However, most notably, he was an American patriot who remained loyal to his family and his “castle”.

He is survived by his wife, Norma and their five children; daughters, Holly and husband Ray Dooley of Lynn, Mary and husband, Brian Weeks of Rochester, New Hampshire, and Julie and husband, Michael Sylvain of Rochester, NH; . sons, Richard F. Courtney Jr. of Lynn and William Courtney and wife, Lisa of Amesbury, Massachusetts. He also leaves many grand-children and several great grand-children. He is predeceased by his daughters, Dawn Marie and Carol Ann, his mother and step-father, Viola and Bill Gillespie, his father, Arthur Robert Courtney, and his brothers, Arthur Courtney and Kenneth Courtney. Service information: Services will be private and are under the direction of the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St., Lynn. Donations in his memory may be made to an animal shelter of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.cuffemcginn.com