Richard J. Woodburn's Obituary
Richard J. Woodburn, 78, recently of Salem, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2019 at the Cedar View Nursing Home in Methuen. Born in Lawrence on March 28, 1941 to the late William and Mary (Daigle) Woodburn, he attended Methuen schools graduating from Tenney High School with the Class of 1960. After graduating from school, like so many of his generation, Richard answered the call to service and enlisted in the United States Army. After his honorable service that lasted nearly eight years during the Vietnam War, Richard returned back to the Merrimack Valley to raise his family. He worked for many years as an engineer for Bay State Gas until his retirement.
Richard was a devout lifelong Catholic where his faith was deeply rooted. He served as a deacon for Saint Anne’s Parish in Hampstead, NH, very involved with the Knights of Columbus of Methuen, and was a part of the Men’s Guild at Holy Family Hospital for several years. Richard was a devoted family man who loved fishing, boating, and enjoyed spending time in the greater outdoors. He will fondly be loved, cherished, and missed by all.
Richard is survived by his two beloved children; his daughter Susan Grillo of Chandler, AZ, and his son David Woodburn and his wife Cathy of Methuen. He was the proud grandfather to Craig Grillo of Dover, NH and Cameron Grillo, also of Chandler, AZ. Richard is also survived by his brother, William Woodburn Jr of Vernon, CT. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce (Martin) Woodburn and his daughter Annmarie Woodburn. After the death of his first wife, Richard found love again and was predeceased by his second wife Kathleen (Barone) Woodburn.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Saint Anne’s Parish, 26 Emerson Avenue, Hampstead, NH, 03841. To honor Richard’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Richard’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. To leave an online condolence please visit www.Pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Woodburn Family.
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