Richard D. Packenham

Richard D. Packenham of Walpole at 52

Noted Boston attorney and popular youth sports coach, Richard D. Packenham of Walpole died Monday, October 3 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 52.

Packy, as he was known to his family, friends, associates in the legal community and youth sports advocates throughout Massachusetts, was a founding partner of the Boston law firm of Packenham, Schmidt & Federico which specializes in family law.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Mr. Packenham was graduated from the St. Sebastian's School (1971), Harvard College (1975) and Boston College Law School (1978). He worked as a staff attorney for the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut, before joining the law firm of McGrath & Kane in 1979.

In 1994, Attorney Packenham joined Mary Schmidt and Phyllis Federico to form a new firm: Packenham, Schmidt & Federico; P.C. focusing on family law, domestic relations litigation and probate law.

"Packy loved the law as much as he loved life and he loved and lived life to the fullest", Phyllis Federico said. "He was a beloved character in all the Probate Courts throughout Massachusetts. Everybody knew Packy."

A strong advocate of continuing legal education, Attorney Packenham would travel around the state each year holding "Latest In The Law Seminars". "People flocked to hear Packy because he combined his incredible knowledge of the law with his great sense of humor", Federico said.

But his strongest commitment to the law may well have been his gift for counseling young lawyers. "Packy's legacy is not only the many seminars and publications he contributed to, but the legions of young lawyers that he mentored", Federico said.

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Mr. Packenham's other avocation was coaching the local athletic teams of his three children. Whether it was ice hockey or lacrosse, he spent countless hours holding practices and criss-crossing the state for games and tournaments.

"Like everything else he did in life, Packy put his heart and soul into coaching youth sports", said his lifelong friend George Morrissey. "Whether it was practice or games, he always found the time to be there, not only for his own children, but for all the children."

"Packy was the perfect example of the old saying: 'if you want a job done then ask a busy man'", Morrissey said. "He had tremendous energy. Only Packy could come off a grueling two-week trial, head home, load up the car with young hockey players and drive off to a game down the Cape. He loved coaching and teaching them and they loved being coached by Packy."

Richard Packenham is survived by his wonderful wife of 21 years, Susan (Smillie) and their three children: Colin, Olivia, and Luke. Also by his mother Mary of Newton, brother Lawrence of Bedford, many nieces and nephews and friends and admirers from throughout his life.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 7 at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine's Church in Norwood. Interment in Saint Francis Cemetery Walpole. Visiting hours are Thursday afternoon 3pm to 8pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole. Memorial donations may be made in his name to: Packenham Children Scholarship Fund c/o Legg Mason, Attn: Janet Zorbas One International Place 28th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110.