Richard J. Callery, 71, of Hopedale, where he lived most of his life, passed away from cancer on Saturday evening, April 24, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Devoted husband of the late Barbara A. (Halpin) Callery for over 47 years, cherished son to the late Philip J. Callery and the late Rosa M. Callery, and loving father to Richard J. Callery and his wife Rachel of Bellingham and Joseph E. Callery and his wife Renee of Milford. He also is survived by his adored grandchildren Taylor, Aubrey, Sloane, Kevin and Christa Callery.
After attending Hopedale Jr.-Sr. High School, Richard proudly served four years in the Vietnam War for the US Army Special Forces Green Berets. He then briefly worked at the General Motors Framingham Assembly plant before starting his 40-year career at the US Post Office until 2015 when he retired.
Richard was a faithful friend to many as a first-rate conversationalist. When many of his friends passed before him, he honored them by caring for their gravesites with mini Christmas trees during the holidays and flags for the veterans. He always was a friendly neighbor helping a hand wherever needed. He was a superb cook and baker, and if you savored “spicy hot” then he was always game to test (or burn) your taste buds. Cooking with hot sauce was a passion, and spicy deviled eggs were a specialty. He thoroughly enjoyed being a grandfather to his five grandchildren. Whether he was lifting their “heavy bones” to give them a hug or jokingly picking and eating toe jam from between their toes, they brought him great joy and pride. He also enjoyed traveling to Cape Cod and New Hampshire with his late wife Barbara for their annual vacations. But most of the time, on warm summer evenings or brisk but sunny fall weekends, he would be on his porch smiling and waving to anyone who passed by while he relaxed and sipped his iced coffee.
His funeral and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 29 at Sacred Heart of Jesus, 187 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA, at 10am. Burial will follow in Hopedale Village Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 4-7pm at Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water St., Milford, MA.