Richard James Marley

Richard James Marley, age 81, passed away on July 16, 2024, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, he was the son of John F. and Phyllis M. (Russo) Marley. Richard was raised in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School with the class of 1960.

Richard proudly enlisted with the United States Army and served from 1960 to 1963. After basic training, Richard was stationed in Germany. He was part of an antitank division, working on a destroyer nicknamed "The AlleyCat". Richard was adept with arms and munitions, receiving recognition as an expert dealing with carbine and rifles, as well as marksman status utilizing M-14 rifles. Richard remained in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1963. 

Upon his return home, Richard was accepted to the Police Academy in 1966 and proudly joined the ranks of the Somerville Police Department's motorcycle unit. Richard was proud to serve his country again, this time helping to keep the streets of his hometown safe. 

Richard remained with the Somerville Police Department until his retirement in 1986. His retirement was anything but quiet, as he kept busy with a variety of jobs and activities over the coming years. One job was as a Branch Manager for the Boston Herald, where he would meet and befriend fellow Herald employee Evelyn (Sherman) Burden. They eventually married on May 24, 1997. 

The couple made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts where they found friendship and community. They joined the Blessed Sacrament Church, where Richard served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and attended daily mass. Richard was steadfast in his faith, regularly attending prayer group with fellow parishioners, and praying the rosary. Richard also found community at the Walpole Senior Center, making many friends, especially among fellow billiards players in their league. 

Richard was a loving, compassionate, and devoted family man. He was a pillar of strength and faith for his family, serving as a spiritual leader in difficult times. He was the first to celebrate a success and would cheer on every accomplishment. Richard's positive attitude was contagious, sharing his bright outlook with his whole family. His family was the most important thing in his life, as a proud father, and later proud grandfather and great grandfather. "Papa" loved having his grandkids over on the weekends, sharing in sugary snacks and getting up to mischief that only a grandparents can get away with. 

In his free time, Richard enjoyed watching sports and the news. He would watch or listen to every Patriots or Red Sox game that was played, cheering with the team on their wins and commiserating their losses. Richard was a proud Republican and enjoyed talking politics with anyone interested. He was a lifelong lover of cars and motorcycles, having had many muscle cars during his life, and appreciating antique cars as he got older. Richard enjoyed the company of his friends and his neighbors, becoming a grandparent to many neighborhood kids over the years. He had the gift of gab and a quick wit, which endeared him to many, making friends everywhere he went. 

Survived by loving wife of 27 years Evelyn B. Marley

Loving father of Richard F. Marley, and his wife Joan, of Woburn, Lynne Marie Barnette, and her late husband Ralph, of Revere, Michael T. Marley, and his wife Lynne, of Billerica, also Evelyn’s children, Kevin P. Burden, and his wife Stacy, of Hopkinton, Denise P. Blacker of North Attleborough, and Christopher M. Burden, and his wife Jenai, of Sandy, Oregon

Cherished grandfather of Richard F. Marley Jr., and his wife Nicole, of Woburn, Richard W. Barnette, and his wife Alicia, of Billerica, Jason R. Barnette of Revere, Michael S. Marley of Billerica, Nicole M. Andrews, and her husband Nicholas, of Tewksbury, Jacob A. Burden of Hopkinton, Cameron L. Burden of Hopkinton, Alexander Blacker of Rhode Island, Andrew Blacker, and his wife Courtney, of Plainville, and Emily Burden of Sandy, Oregon; and great grandfather of Brielle Barnette, Kayla Barnette, Cooper Andrews, and Watson Andrews.

Also survived by his first wife, Lynne F. (Rogers) Marley of Woburn.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Richard's visitation on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 9:00 am - 10:30 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial that will follow in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street in Walpole at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard's name may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting https://www.stjude.org/