Published in the September 28, 2015 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Richard C. Hale, 85, a resident of Wakefield, died at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Born at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on May 24, 1930, he was one of three sons of the late Orrin J. and Elizabeth (Maloney) Hale.
He was a lifelong resident of Albion Street in Wakefield in a home built by his uncle Horace Hale in 1892. He graduated from St. Joseph Parochial School Class of 1945, Wakefield High School Class of 1949 and Fisher College in 1951.
Right after graduating from Fisher, he went to work as a bookkeeper at New England Bolt Co. in Everett. He progressed to accountant then assistant treasurer and retired from N.E. Bolt after 43 years.
He was one of the first to build a summer home at Mountview on Lake Ossipee in Freedom, N.H. Richard spent weekends and summers there for over 20 years and served on the Board of Directors of the association. He left there to avoid the three hour trip as roads became more crowded but maintained several friends from the area.
He later bought a condominium at Seabreeze on Ocean Boulevard on Hampton Beach, N.H. and spent much time there for over 20 years. He also served on the Board of Directors at Seabreeze where he made many friends. He belonged to a group of native Hampton men who were involved with current and/or past town affairs who met every day for coffee at the Hampton Center restaurant, Morelli’s and kept each other informed of all Hampton happenings.
He is survived by one brother, Robert Orrin Hale with whom he has always lived. Another brother William John, Robert’s twin, died in 1972. He had one first cousin, Rev. David Foley of Marco Island, Fla. He also had many Maloney cousins in County Cork, Ireland, who had been in constant contact for many years and some have come to visit.
Richard’s father, Orrin J. Hale was active for many years in Wakefield. He was one of the founders of the West Side Social Club, served on many town committees and was a one time Chairman of the Board of Selectman. Richard’s mother, Elizabeth Maloney daughter of Richard and Kate Walsh Maloney, was chief operator of the Wakefield Telephone Exchange for over a dozen years. She ran an office of over 30 operators and handled the move from the Richardson Building to their new building on Foster Street. She had to retire when married but returned after her husband died 40 years later.
At Richard’s request, there will be no calling hours and the funeral services are private. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham. Arrangements by Robinson Funeral Home, Melrose. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
