Richard L. Beal, 83, a thirteenth generation Mayflower descendent, died June 8, 2022 at Harbor House in Hingham after a period of declining health.

He was born in Boston on November 24, 1938 to Leslie and (Lorraine) Gladys Beal. He grew up in Dorchester and attended Dorchester schools. He had fond childhood memories of summers "on the farm" in Bolton, MA.

Upon graduation he found employment at the Boston Naval Shipyard in Charlestown, MA, remaining there until its closure in 1974. He later worked in the Quincy, MA school system for many years.

Richard participated in candlepin bowling leagues for decades and was an avid saltwater fisherman for most of his life. He followed all the Boston area professional sports teams and could seldom be seen in winter without his Bruins jacket. His real passion was auto racing, and he especially enjoyed watching NASCAR events. He could recite the names of every astronaut on every NASA space mission.

In his later years Richard enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and crime dramas. NCIS was his favorite. Talking was not allowed during NCIS telecasts. His earliest musical tastes centered around traditional Country and Western, and by middle age he had evolved to still enjoy only traditional Country and Western, by which time he had probably amassed a collection of every Tom T. Hall recording ever made. He eventually came to appreciate contemporary Country/Pop/Rock, but to his ear everything else with an uptempo was "just noise."

Later in life Richard found his dream job shuttling new vehicles between dealerships all over New England and eastern New York. He was at home behind the wheel, watching the miles go by. In his mind pretty much everywhere was within driving distance. He loved road trips to the Colebrook/Pittsburg, NH area where his parents had retired to and where he had extended family (and where there are many fish-infested lakes and rivers.)

Richard was predeceased by his parents; his brothers William and Franklin; his sister Lorraine Alexander; and, recently, by his beloved partner of fifteen years, Linda Surrette, without whom he was lost.

He is survived by his sister, Jane Finlayson; his sons Edward and James Beal; his daughter Susan Lichwala; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was a nice guy who made friends easily and was a good and caring big brother to his sister, Jane, right to the end. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Richard will be interred in the family burial plot in Mount Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. A brief Graveside Service will take place at that time.

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com