Obit: Former West School Principal Richard Wilkins, 84

Richard L. "Dick" Wilkins, a resident of York, Maine and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life suddenly on Monday, November 20, 2017 at the York Hospital in York, Maine. He was 84 years of age.

Dick was born in Boston on June 1, 1933 at 47 High St. in Charlestown. He was the son of William and Anna (Tagen) Wilkins. He grew up with his 11 siblings on High Street. He was a champion swimmer at the Boys Club. He attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1952, where he excelled in football and track and field. Richard enlisted into the United States Army on Sept. 26, 1959 and served his country with honor and pride until he was honorably discharged on July 1, 1960 with the rank of Corporal.

He received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Boston State Teacher's College and a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard University. He was an elementary school teacher and principal at the West School in Stoughton for 37 years. He was also principal at St. Gregory School in Dorchester.

After retiring, Dick and his wife Mary moved to York, Maine. He enjoyed his retirement by reading, writing, and shoveling snow. He always looked forward to visits from his kids and grandkids.

Dick is the loving husband of 57 years to Mary (McBride) Wilkins. He is the devoted father of Billy of Melrose, Nan of Charlestown, Greg of Danville, Indiana, Clare of Charlestown, and the late Christopher E. Wilkins. He is the awesome papa to Olivia, Aidan, Quinn, and Collin. He is also the father-in-law of Sandy and Teresa. He is the beloved brother of the late Margaret Foley, Camilla Meade, Anne Kathleen Goff, Madeline O'Rourke, Helene Hall, William Wilkins, Frederick Wilkins, Henry Wilkins, Francis Wilkins, Paul Wilkins and Joseph Wilkins. He is also survived by a plethora of nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours and a funeral were held at St. Mary's Church in Charlestown Saturday morning. He was buried at Mt. Benedict Cemetery in West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers kindly make a memorial donation in Dick's name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.

Image and obituary via Carr Funeral Home.