Obituary of Richard L Tieri

Richard L. Tieri, former owner of Richie’s Deli in North Woburn, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, March 11, 2019. The beloved husband of the late Jackie (Freelove) was 78 years old.

Richard was born in Everett. He was one of five children born to the late Bernard and Angelina Tieri.  Richard was raised and educated in the ‘Village” section of Everett where many Italian immigrants settled when moving to the United States.  Richard served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962. During his tour he would marry Jacqueline “Jackie” Freelove and they eventually moved to Woburn where they would raise their two daughters.

Richard chose a career in the food industry.  He opened his own deli in the North End of Woburn called “Richie’s Deli”.  It was opened 7 days a week and was a place where local neighbors and business people would frequent. His nieces and children enjoyed working there for many years.  He worked hard, putting in long hours and always sacrificing for his family. After twenty years in the business Richard changed direction a bit and focused on catering. He could always be found in the kitchen either at home, Angelina’s Restaurant, or the Tewksbury Country Club where his love of food shined through.  He loved his job and took great pride in creating new recipes that he would frequently have his family members test out for him.  The past five years Richard had worked as a Prep Cook at the Tewksbury Country Club. He loved his job and was like a second father and a mentor to many of his younger co-workers. Richard was known to say that he wished he had found this job many years before!

Richard had many interests throughout the years in addition to cooking.  He was an avid Bruins fan and was a season ticket holder during the exciting Bobby Orr years. He shared his love of hockey with his grandson Richie by attending all of his practices and games over a ten-year period, as well as attending many Bruins games with his grandson. He also loved music and during his younger years he was part of a band called the Emeralds. He loved playing guitar and his time spent with his friends playing music at home and local venues. Richard will be remembered as a kind and humble man who was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends.

Richard’s family was his life.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  Simply said he was their “rock”.  He encouraged his two daughters to be strong and independent woman. Summer vacations for the Tieri family were spent traveling to the many horseback riding activities and events for his daughters.  In later years Richard and Jackie would enjoy taking trips to the Caribbean, local jaunts to Foxwoods, and trips to Florida to visit their daughter Michelle and her family. For the past five years Richard enjoyed spending time with his daughter Barbara and her family at their vacation home in Milton, New Hampshire. Richard was a proud and devoted “Papa” to his three grandchildren.  He was always there cheering them on at their activities and accomplishments throughout their lives.  He was so looking forward to traveling to Nashville to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with his granddaughter Sydney and attending Kristina’s graduation in May as she finished her Physical Therapy program.

Richard was the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline (Freelove) Tieri.  Loving father of Barbara Murray & her husband Kevin of Wilmington and the late Michelle Linell and her husband Harry of West Palm Beach, FL.  Proud grandfather of Richard and Kristina Murray of Wilmington and Sydney Linnell of West Palm Beach, FL. Richard was the caring brother of Helen Hills of Windham, NH, George Tieri of Salem, NH and the late Eva Knobloch and Robert Tieri.  Devoted Uncle to Angela Diorio & her husband Joseph, Susan Amato & her husband Vincent and Linda Duggan & her husband James.  Richard is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main St. Tewksbury on Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m.  Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend.  A celebration of Richard’s life will be held immediately following the Mass at the Tewksbury Country Club, 1880 Main St., Tewksbury.   During this Lenten Season Richard’s family asks that you omit flowers and make donations to a cause that was very dear to Richard’s heart – The New England Parkinson’s Ride for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Donations can be made with the link below (please copy and paste link into browser if the link doesn’t open)

https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/new-england-parkinsons-ride/barbmurray