Loved fishing, hiking and looking for wildlife with friends and family
MELROSE — Richard V. Tobey, of Melrose, passed away on April 9, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Mildred V. “Dolly” Tobey of 64 years. Loving and devoted father of Susan Herook and her husband, Gerard, of Melrose; Richard V. Tobey Jr. and his wife, Carmela, of Wakefield and William P. Tobey of Lowell. Devoted son of the late Vernon M. and Catherine A. (Flynn) Tobey. Cherished grandfather of Nicole, Christopher, Andrew, Matthew and Julia. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Richard grew up in Cambridge and had fond memories spending time with grandparents, uncles, and aunts in Kittery, Maine. Richard was part of the Naval Reserve during the Korean War where he worked as a mechanic on F4U Corsair and TBM Avenger aircraft assigned to the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier. He worked at BLH Electronics in Waltham for many years, and enjoyed being part of the team that developed components that were installed for the Mercury and Apollo space program. When BLH moved from Waltham to Canton, he moved to Melrose Wakefield Hospital where he worked as a medical equipment technician before moving to the purchasing department. He shared his love of nature, fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor sports with family. He enjoyed both fresh and saltwater fishing, spending time on Race Point, Plum Island, catching trout in the White Mts., and Connecticut lakes and rivers. There are many fond memories camping in Twin Mt. N.H. and exploring the great north woods while looking for wildlife with family and friends. He and his beloved Dolly enjoyed their camper and traveling across New England, Nova Scotia and PEI.
Visitation hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 4 – 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove St., Wakefield, MA 01880. 
