Obituary of Richard F Mack

Richard F. Mack, a past member of the Shriner’s Clown Unit passed away after an extended illness on Sunday, December 29, 2019. He was 80 years old. Dick was the only child born to Arthur and Isabella Mack. He grew up and was educated in Gloucester. After graduating from Gloucester High School, he enlisted in the Air Force and served 4 years as an Airman Second Class during the early days of Vietnam War. He returned from his military service and tried several jobs. He knew that a life at sea was not for him so he trained as a heating technician and soon after became a pipefitter. He spent almost 30 years working for the Department of Defense at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford maintaining the bases buildings and residential units. He retired in 2003. Dick had a few hobbies, interests, and clubs in which he enjoyed participating. He was an avid hunter and a member of the Woburn Sportsman Association. He was a member of Sons of Norway, Norumbega Lodge. Every year he looked forward to meeting with his Air Force buddies as they explored different Air Force communities. He was a late member of Washington Lodge Order of Masons and member of the Aleppo Shrine in Wilmington. It was amazing how he would transform from a quiet man to the fun and comical “Stumpy” in the Shriner’s Clown Unit. He participated in many of the Shrine’s events including parades, ceremonies, and the annual circus while his health permitted. Dick’s favorite place in the world was his beloved “Camp Never Done” in Madison, New Hampshire. His parents built a very small cabin with a bedroom and a half bath in 1961 and it has been the family gathering spot for 4 generations in the Mack family. He was very proud of the additions that he built to accommodate his growing family. He and Amber (his dog) were frequently seen riding his ATV on the camp roads and checking things out. He introduced his sons to many outdoor activities including ice fishing, dog sled races, boating, finding the perfect Christmas tree in the woods, ATV sled rides and countless other events that kept him and his family entertained. He was proud of his Scot heritage and enjoyed the Highland Games at Loon Mountain. The past few years with his declining health have been difficult for Dick and his family. He will live on in the many memorable stories and memories filled with love and laughter that he has shared with them during his 80 years. Dick met his wife, Judith “Judi” (Nilsen) Mack, in Gloucester over 50 years ago. They had just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He was the loving father of Alan & his wife Jennifer (DeFilippo) of Burlington and Andrew & his wife Jennifer (O’Connell) of Lynn. He was the proud grandfather of Aaron, Austin, Ryan, and Sophia Mack. Dick was also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan on Friday, Jan. 3 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Sullivan Funeral Home on Saturday Jan. 4 at noon. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name may be made to the Sneaker Fund, care of ISCA Secretary, P.O. Box 3104, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-0104. Noting in memory of Richard F. Mack.