Obituary of Richard Rollins

Richard C. Rollins, passed away from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday morning, March 21, 2012. He was 74 years old. Richard was born in Bar Harbor, ME, the son of the late Charles and Evelyn Rollins. He grew up and was educated in Somerville. He was a graduate of Somerville High School. He served in the Army Air Corp from July of 1955 to July of 1958. Richard held the rank of Specialist 4th Class and was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He returned home and worked as an oil heat technician for a number of companies including Alliance Fuel. He had an incredible work ethic and was an excellent provider for his family. Richard made the most of his time on this earth. Some described Richard as a 74 year old who thought he was 18. When he was not working he was always on the go. He enjoyed deep sea fishing with his grandsons. He was an avid golfer, who often played at the Woburn Country Club and the Hillview Country Club. He enjoyed trips to Foxwoods and vacationed in Wells Beach, Maine with his family for over 30 years. Richard took hot air balloon rides, hang glider rides, parachuted, and any other adventure someone might be up for. He rode a motorcycle for over 30 years, with the Harley Davidson being his favorite type of bike. He was a member of the ROMEO Bike Club. Richard always had time to spend with his children and grandchildren and he has left them with countless memories and a wonderful example on how to live filled with love, friendships, and with no regrets. Richard was the beloved husband of the late Carol R. (Gillis) whom he missed dearly. He was the loving father of Richard Rollins, Jr. & his wife Laura of East Longmeadow, MA, Charles “Chuck” Rollins & his wife Sonia of Burlington, MA, and Virginia “Ginny” Mendenhall & her husband John of West Brookfield, MA. He was the brother of Bruce Rollins of Woburn, Jean Shoemaker of Idaho, and the late Gail Abate. He was the proud grandfather of Rick, Lindsy, Jared, Sam, Chip, and Alec Rollins, Casey & Ryan Foley, Lexi & Mitchell Mendenhall and great grandfather of Cadence Frigon. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, March 24 from 4-8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Forestdale Community Church, 235 Forest St., Malden, MA on Sunday, March 25 at 1 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Boston Ronald McDonald House, 229 Kent Street, Brookline, MA 02446 or www.rmhboston.org.