Richard Wayne Anderson “Dick” – age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the Sawtelle Hospice House. He was born on January 28, 1935 in Medford, MA, to William E. Anderson and RoseMary (Gallagher) Anderson. He was a 1952 graduate of Reading High School in Reading, MA. Following high school, he went on to join the US Navy and returned to Reading, MA to marry his high school sweetheart Virginia (White) Anderson in June 1957. Dick earned his degree in Electronic Engineering from Lowell Tech (UMass Lowell) in 1960. He had a very long career in electronics, participating in the development of the MRI, televisions, military devices, and radar systems, receiving patents and awards. He travelled extensively internationally during his tenure as an engineer and leader of teams, with Japan being a major focus for many years.
Dick woke up every day with incredible energy and sense of purpose. He was always ready with a smile and he lived his life to the fullest encouraging others to do the same. He was known for his great sense of humor and for being socially outgoing. He could easily make a friend standing in line at the bank; he was such an enthusiastic talker. Always quick to laugh, he loved spending time with friends and family. Dick was also an avid golfer and was a member of Bear Hill Golf Club and Thomson Country Club for many years in retirement. Golfing was a true passion of his and he was quite proud of the hole in one he received at Bear Hill in 2006. He really loved all sports and was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. One could always count on him enjoying every game with a beer in his hand. Dick also loved to read and had a keen interest in history and philosophy as well as legal thrillers and spy stories. Additionally, he had an affinity for music of all genres and enjoyed singing and dancing.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Virginia “Ginny”; a brother, P. Douglas Anderson and his wife Beverly of North Reading; his son Jeffrey Anderson and his wife Joan of Andover, MA; his son Mark Anderson and his wife Linda of Reading, MA; his daughter Laura (Anderson) Scales and her husband Chad of Atlanta, GA; his daughter Nancy (Anderson) Brown and her husband Kevin of Reading, MA; and his daughter Cheri Anderson of Great Barrington, MA. He is also survived by 8 much beloved grandchildren: Katie Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Ross Anderson, Curtis Anderson, Natalie Scales, Catherine Scales, Christopher Brown and Allison Brown; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dog friends: Bella, Kobe, Gracie and Bergeron, and Isabelle the cat. He was also predeceased by a brother William Anderson and sister Rosemarie Davi.
A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, September 21, 2020, 10:30 AM, at St. Theresa Parish, 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA 01864. Due to Covid-19, all participants are required to wear a mask at all times.
In lieu of flowers, a donation is welcome to one of the following: The Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation: https://www.mds-foundation.org/donate/ Sawtelle Hospice House, Reading, MA: https://vnaofme.com/donate/
www.croswellfuneralhome.com
To All The Anderson’s! We sure will miss that great smile and all the wonderful memories over these many years! Heaven has a bright and shining angel!! Hold tight to the memories and hold tight to each other! Love you all!
Nancy and Roddy
Uncle Dickie was always smiling, one who would get down and talk to all the kids, always had a positive energy around him. He will be missed and remembered always!
I am so saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. When I was a kid, I babysat for Ginny and Dickie’s kids. They probably don’t remember Ginny and Dickie had a wonderful life together full of kids and friends and family. I love them both. My heart goes out to Ginny. She is one terrific person and one terrific family to help her thru. Love, Judi (Muise) ELdred
Sad to hear the news. Thinking of you Ginny and Mark and Linda. We have good memories of him and bet you do too .
Thinking of ginny, cheri and all the andersons during this time of sadness. May your memories and love sustain you all at this time. Sincerely, kathie and david carroll
So very sorry for your loss. He was special for me and my family. My condolences.
A godfather will always be there for you. He will make you laugh, teach you, reach you and steer you towards the meaning of family. My uncle did all of those things asking for nothing in return. He will be missed by all of us whose lives he touched.
My thoughts and prayers at this time to your family
Uncle Dickie brought such joy to whomever he was near. Thank you for sharing your zest for life with us all! I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel..Maya Angelou Much love to all the Andersons ❤️
To Ginny and all of the Anderson family. I was so sorry to learn of Dick’s passing, Always looked to seeing him at our class reunions and he always had a smile for every one. Heaven has defiitely received another angle. May re rest in peace
Rest in peace my good friend
Mr. Anderson…or later Dick…I will always remember a second father that razzed me when I needed it, was supportive when I was down, and was there during all the fun times that I shared as the “sixth” Anderson kid in his household. Jeff and I will forever be chided about losing to you and my father in those tennis games down at the park that you always remember as you winning…as sad as I am with your passing, and for the loss the rest of my “second” family and especially Ginny has to bear, I choose to remember all of the fun and good times I had growing up and being a part of your Family…PS say hello to my Father up there…