Richard A. Gaines

Richard Andrew Gaines blessed this world on June 7, 1945 in Boston, MA. His parents Andrew and Mary Gaines raised him on Parker Hill in the family home. Affectionately known to family as Ricky and to his friends as Ric, he was the second oldest of seven children and the only brother. Richard enjoyed being the brother, taking care of his sisters, cousins, family and friends. 

Richard was an avid track runner for Boston Trade and Boston Technical High Schools. At age 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served 20 years and two tours in Vietnam. Upon returning home to his family, he earned his bachelors and master’s degrees from Cambridge College and dabbled in entrepreneurship. He worked as a bartender at Biff’s, a carpenter, a police officer for the Wareham Police Department, an Affirmative Action Officer for the MBTA, and Disaster Field Supervisor for FEMA until he retired.

From a young age, Richard was an active member of Grant A.M.E Church. There he met his lovely wife Mozelle of 58 years. From this union Richard and Mozelle had three children Morgan, Corwin, and his “baby girl” Katonya.  

Richard was proud of his children and their accomplishments and always encouraged them to do their best. He never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren, whether attending an 8-hour dance recital for Joliana or a basketball game for Derek. However, the apple of his eye was his great-granddaughter Azaria with whom he spent time with daily. He was a proud dad, an awesome grandfather, and a magnificent great grandfather. Simply, Richard was the neighborhood dad who had all neighborhood kids in “boot camp.”

Furthermore, Richard never backed down from a good fight. He would advocate for others and encourage his children to do the same. It was a common practice for him to take the family for walks in Franklin Park at night to teach his children about nature and “to develop your eyes, so you can see at night.” One always felt safe being in his presence. 

Richard served as a Past Worshipful Master in Mt. Moriah Lodge #9 Prince Hall Masons. He was a Noble of Syria Temple #31. He was a long serving member of the Castle Williams #4 Order of the Eastern Star holding the title of Past Worthy Patron.

Richard was a gentle giant. Anyone who knew him knew that he was intense, yet with an odd sense of humor. This made him a great storyteller. He could tell a story that made you just say “really?! Huh! Okay!?!”  

Let’s not forget the plaid! Red plaid, blue plaid, brown plaid, green plaid, regular plaid, flannel plaid, plaid with shearling lining, plaid shirts, plaid jackets, plaid robes-plaid! Richard loved plaid. His plaid collection was extensive. He may have single-handedly kept LLBeans’ flannel plaid line in operational for years. No one could rock plaid with 2-inch suspenders like Ricky.

Richard departed this world on December 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his son, Morgan, his sisters Donna Sudano, and Andrea Tesfayohannes. He leaves behind his wife Mozelle, his son Corwin, his daughter Katonya, his grandchildren Derek, and Joliana, as well as, great granddaughter Azaria. Four sisters Jeanette Yancey, Linda Gaines, Mary Bernard, and Dara Bernard and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Richard’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of those who crossed his path. Indeed, his life was a blessing. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

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