Obituary of Richard F. Small

Richard F. Small PEABODY—Richard F. Small, 64, beloved husband of Donna (Di Orio) Small of Peabody, died unexpectedly on Sunday April 28, 2013 at the Tufts—New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston following an extended illness. Born in Beverly, he was the son of Mr. & Mrs. John F. Small, Jr. He grew up in Lynn and graduated from Lynn English High School, Class of 1966. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After the war, he graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Small was a Property Manager for the U.S. General Services Administration, at the Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building. Richard enjoyed being outside in nature tending to his garden where he grew John Kennedy Roses. He was an avid sports fan, watching golf, hockey and football among all the Boston sports teams. He also bowled in a league in Revere. During his quiet time he was intrigued with reading and history. He loved animals and cherished the cats Eliza and Olivia and their Golden Retriever puppy Spencer. He will be dearly missed by his family, and will be remembered for living a quiet life of simplicity and dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife Donna (Di Orio) Small of Peabody, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage; a son Brian Small of Peabody; a daughter Courtney Small of Peabody; a sister Janet Talbot of Georgetown; a brother Robert Small of Lynn, and several nieces and a nephew. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a Funeral Service to celebrate his life on Friday May 4, 2013 at 10 AM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 – 8 P.M. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Please make memorial donations to the North East Animal Shelter, 200 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970.