Richard P. Greeley, a devoted family man, beloved jokester and fan of all things music and sports, passed peacefully wrapped in love on Friday, January 9, 2026. He was 86 years old.   

Born in Newton, Richard was the sixth of nine children of Joseph and Helena Greeley, and grew up in a boisterous household full of love, music and the occasional hijinks. He was an altar boy at church, and together with his siblings formed the “Greeley Singers,” performing at local theaters and sidewalk singalongs. He was a graduate of Our Lady’s High School, where he excelled academically and was a standout athlete in both football and basketball. Richard continued his education at Boston College, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Richard then had a successful career in banking, spending much of his professional life as a branch manager for BayBank. He worked at several branches throughout the area, with the majority in Waltham and Newton. He genuinely enjoyed his work, and his warm, welcoming personality made many customers feel like friends.

Outside of Newton, the Greeley family's Plum Island cottage became one of Richard’s favorite places, where he would swim laps in its cold and wild waters, and cram countless friends and relatives into its tiny two bedrooms, with laughter pouring from the screen porch into the wee hours. 

In 1971, Richard moved to Burlington to build and raise his family. His lively Juniper Street neighborhood bustled with kids and parents still bonded to this day. And he stayed in the comforts of that home until his final moments. 

A man of endless energy, Richard loved sports, both as a participant and a spectator. He played men’s hockey for years and had a lifelong love of skating. He delighted in teaching his daughters, and later his grandchildren, how to skate, and always looked forward to Nutting Lake freezing over so he could get out on the ice. But most people remember him as an avid rollerblader, a hobby he picked up in his fifties and continued for decades. His favorite route was the Minuteman Bike Trail, where he met his best buddy, Gerry Ramsey, and the two skated countless miles - sometimes 20 at a clip - with Gerry’s huskies in tow. Richard hung up his skates at age 70, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but still loved walking the many miles of the Minuteman.

Richard was an incredible dad and doting grandfather. He encouraged his daughters in all of their interests, including soccer, basketball, softball, and dance, even showing up on the sidelines in a suit if he had to race from work to make a game.

He was a familiar presence at soccer, hockey, lacrosse, cheerleading, and dance competitions, as well as school events, milestones, and family celebrations. While he may not have been the loudest voice in the stands or on the sidelines, he was always there—to celebrate their successes, comfort them in their losses, and offer steady encouragement.

Richard developed a deep love of music early in life, and was a lifelong learner and devoted music enthusiast. He played the piano from a young age and even returned for lessons as an adult to better hone his skills. Together with his siblings and children, he attended countless music festivals, concerts and performances throughout the area. His eclectic music tastes ranged from jazz pianist Bill Evans to Stevie Wonder, Chet Baker to Sade, and the Four Freshmen to Michel Graillier.

An avid reader, Richard especially loved studying history, geography, and weather. He was fascinated by extreme weather events and delighted in a “good storm,” with the blizzard of ‘78 and 1985’s Hurricane Gloria being two of his favorites.

Richard will be remembered for so many reasons: his silly humor, corny “dad” jokes, and quick wit. Even as he was nearing the end of his life, he could still lighten the mood with a joke or playful remark. More than anything, he will be remembered for how he lived his life. Much like his mother, Richard was gentle, patient, kind, and deeply loving. He was always present in the lives of those he cared for, always had your back, and stood by you in both good times and bad. Simply being with Richard brought a sense of calm—a reassurance that everything would be okay and that you were loved.

Richard was truly a special man who loved those around him with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered, as all those he touched carry forward his spirit, qualities, and love from generation to generation.

Richard was the loving father of Cheryl Buscanera & her husband John of Lowell, Maureen Petrone & her fiancé Richard Reynolds of Burlington, Jeannie Greeley & her partner Olivia Pérez Collellmir of Boston, and the late Linda Greeley, lost in infancy. He was the proud grandfather of Cameron Cappella, Ava Petrone, Ali Petrone, Gavin Petrone, Victoria Gerbrands, and Grace Gerbrands. He was the former husband of Carolyn Pennie of Burlington. Richard was the beloved brother of Michael Greeley, Carol Scaltreto, Virginia Greeley, all of Waltham, formerly of Newton, the late Joseph Greeley, William Greeley, Elizabeth Carberry, Mary Kane, and John Greeley. Richard was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated for Richard at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington on Saturday, January 17, at 10 a.m.  Following the mass, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Cafe Escadrille Restaurant, 23 Cambridge Street, Burlington, beginning at 11:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Burlington Council on Aging, 61 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803.