‘Mayor of the neighborhood’ who loved to provide a helping hand
MELROSE — Richard C. Perling, 64, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 8, 2022.
He was born on April 26, 1957 to William G. and Nancy (Carson) Perling in Oneida, N.Y. and moved to Nashua, N.H. in his pre-teen years. Richard attended Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua where he was active in drama, the debate team and tennis. He attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine and after graduation moved to the Boston area, ultimately settling in Melrose. Richard spent the majority of his career with the MIT Lincoln Laboratories Business Administration team which he retired from in 2017 after 30 plus years.
Richard loved to travel and was fortunate enough to visit such exotic places as South America, Europe, the South Pacific and Asia. He acquired many treasures during his adventures and loved to display them in his beautiful home on Frances Street. The dedication to his home was apparent once you stepped through the door. He brought this Victorian home to its period grandeur and enjoyed showing it off during his annual Holiday party as well as his infamous “hat parties.” Those were good times shared by many dear friends both with us now and those that have moved on. Richard’s kindness reached his neighbors as well, providing a helping hand when needed. His title of “Mayor of the neighborhood” was a fitting description bestowed on him.
Richard was a devoted son, becoming the primary caregiver to his mother, Nancy, after his father passed in 1986. He maintained the family home in Nashua for many years, until Nancy moved to an assisted living facility in 2010. He kept his mother active, taking her on day trips, a cruise, and visiting family across the US until her death in 2015. He definitely made his father proud and fulfilled his promise to “take care of your mother.”
He leaves behind his older sister Anne Bretz and her husband, Scott, of Nevada, Texas and his younger sister Jean Mandirola and her husband, Todd, of Somers, Conn. He is predeceased by his brother James Perling and his surviving spouse, Christina from Bernardsville, N.J. Richard will definitely be missed as the “Fun Uncle” by DJ, Zachary, Jessie, William and John.
Calling hours was at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 13 from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 6 p.m.
For online tributes please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
