Richard Francis "Papa" Quinn

Richard Francis Quinn, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Born and raised in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston on March 8, 1947, he was the son of the late Francis Patrick and Helen Veronica (Smiglewski) Quinn. Affectionately known as Papa, Richard attended both Boston Latin School and The English High School. After his graduation from English with the class of 1964, Papa attended Northeastern University in Boston, receiving his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1969 and his master’s degree in engineering in 1970.

Papa used the skills and knowledge he gained at Northeastern to build a distinguished career in civil engineering. He started with the US Army Corps of Engineers where he focused on fishways, aqueducts, and salmon runs. Papa later transitioned to a position with FEMA, experiencing the great Blizzard of '78 as both a civilian and an engineer. Papa finished his career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he was able to teach, design and build hatcheries and dams, and create structures to support fish migration.

While attending Northeastern, Papa grew acquainted with a young woman from his neighborhood, taking the train together each day. As they grew closer, it became clear they were meant to be. Papa married the love of his life, Helene Catherine Peterson, on September 28, 1969, at Saint Joseph's Church. Papa and Helene made their married home in Mattapan where they began to raise a family. To accommodate their growing family, they moved to Randolph in 1972 and later settled into their forever home in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1978.

Papa was a strong man with a gentle heart, who valued his family above all else. He was a loving husband, caring father, and a larger-than-life grandfather.

When he learned he was going to become a grandfather, he proudly chose to be called 'Papa', a name that suited him so perfectly it became how everyone knew him. Papa had a special relationship with each member of his family, taking care to remember everyone's interests. He liked to show his love by preparing your favorite meals when you visited, like his delicious steakbombs or spaghetti and meatballs. Dinner together was never complete without some of 'Papa's Bread', and achievements were celebrated with his tasty brownies, famous chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate and lemon meringue pies. Papa knew how to make those he loved feel special.

Papa also loved being in the great outdoors. As a father, he taught his children how to fish by taking them canoeing on weekend mornings at the crack of dawn. His love for nature helped to inspire his career path, working to make the world a better place for all of God's creations to enjoy for many generations. Papa was happiest on the water, whether on a boat or in a canoe, fishing or towing his grandkids in tubes behind him. In 1996, Papa and Helene began camping at Lake Manchaug in Douglas, Massachusetts, eventually spending more time there than at home. Camp was his favorite place where he felt most at peace, surrounded by his family and friends in the beauty of the lake.

Aside from being outdoors, Papa also enjoyed traveling and taking cruises. He and Helene adventured all over the world, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Europe, often for multiple weeks at a time. Back at home, Papa continued to apply his engineering talents by designing and building additions, decks, kitchens, basements, and more for his home and those of his children. Papa also found joy in leather working. He crafted leather stools, belts, sandals and more. Papa also loved doing his puzzles.

Papa also found time to give back to his community. When his children were younger, he coached youth soccer and served for many years as President of Walpole Youth Soccer. He was the perfect man for the job when he served on the Conservation Committee for the town, given his career and personal interests. In later years, Papa could be found helping out at the Walpole Food Pantry or at the Council on Aging, two organizations he was passionate about.

Beloved husband of Helene Catherine (Peterson) Quinn.

Loving father of Elizabeth "Beth" Flavin and her husband Thomas Sr. of Plainville, Richard "Rick" F. Quinn II and his wife Jennifer of Walpole, and Christopher L. Quinn and his wife Sheila of Franklin.

Cherished grandfather of Tommy and Faith Flavin of Plainville, Kevin, Caileen, Benjamin, and Tyler Quinn of Walpole, and Nicholas, Michael, Mia, Patrick, and James Quinn of Franklin.

Papa truly adored dogs, often carrying treats in his pockets, something his granddogs, Pepper, Tuukka, and Mookie will surely miss.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Papa's Visitation on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, at 10:00 AM. Interment will occur privately at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Papa's name may be made to the Walpole Council on Aging at 60 South Street, Walpole, MA 02081, or to the Walpole Food Pantry at P.O. Box 43, Walpole, MA 02081 or by visiting https://www.wcfp.org/