Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather
Richard Edward Squillace, 87, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023, of natural causes, in Marlborough, MA.
Richard was born on May 20, 1936 in Schenectady, New York to the late Francesco and Bambina (Donato) Squillace, who immigrated from
Italy through Ellis Island. He was the youngest of seven children and spent much of his life in Schenectady, NY. He graduated from Mont Pleasant Technical High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College in 1958 and his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in 1968.
As an Air Force ROTC graduate, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant stationed in Belleville, IL and MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. Richard worked briefly for Mitre Corporation and later had a long career at
General Electric, in both Lynn and Schenectady, in the large steam turbine division. He taught technical and mathematics courses both at The University of Tampa and Schenectady County Community College and, later in life, continued his teaching career in local high schools. In the 1970s, he was elected to serve on the Schenectady
City School Board. For many years, he served as a volunteer at Ellis Hospital and was a Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Anthony’s Church in Schenectady, NY.
Richard was always a wonderful husband, father and provider. He had a passion for traveling domestically and internationally, and especially liked learning about the history of his destinations. After retirement, Richard and Elaine made the most of traveling with visits to multiple places in Europe, Jerusalem, cruises to the Caribbean, including the Panama Canal and a train trip cross country. He was a voracious reader, especially of historical novels and mysteries. Richard and Elaine spent summers near Ogunquit, ME, for nearly a decade before deciding to retire permanently to Wells, ME, where they lived for another decade, enjoying swimming, Bible study classes, and spending time at the beach and pool with family. He will be remembered for being a bright, knowledgeable, and curious gentleman who was always interested in the pursuits and endeavors of others.
Richard was happily married to his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Soucy) Squillace for 65 years. They met in “fast” English at Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady, New York. Elaine and Dick were married the week after he graduated from college on June 21, 1958 at St. Mary’s Chapel in Lynn, MA, and settled to raise their family in Lynn, MA and later in Schenectady, NY.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Elaine R. Squillace of Marlborough, MA; and his four children: Dr. Steven R. Squillace of Ellington, CT, Scott E. Squillace, Esq. and his husband, Christopher J. Gayton of Boston, MA and Palm Springs, CA, Dr. Marie R. Squillace of Arnold, MD, and Dr. Linda S. Gilligan and her husband, Paul W. Gilligan of Bedford, NH. He also leaves his four grandchildren: Kathryn A. Squillace of New York, NY, Sarah J. Squillace of Boston, MA, Matthew P. Gilligan of Boston, MA, and Abigail R. Gilligan of Bedford, NH. He was predeceased by all of his siblings and is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours: A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Richard’s life will be held at St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Parish in Lynn, MA, in early fall. A wake will be held at Beals-GeakeMagliozzi Funeral Home, Medford, where dates will be posted.
Richard had asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Missionaries of Charity, 401 Quincy St., Dorchester, MA 02125 or EWTN, the Catholic Network, 800447-3986 option # 2.
Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through: www.magliozzifuneralhome. com