Waltham Fire Lieutenant (Ret.) Richard T. Qualters

Ret. Waltham Fire Lieutenant Richard T. Qualters, of Waltham, died Friday, April 12^th in Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton. He was 97.

Dick was born in Waltham on April 18, 1926, a son of the late Thomas and Winifred (Connors) Qualters and was a lifelong resident of the city. During World War II he honorably served in the United States Navy. Upon his return home he was hired by the Waltham Fire Department. He began and spent most of his career at Central Station on Lexington Street before moving to Engine 3 on Willow Street. After his promotion to lieutenant he worked at Engine 8 on Trapelo Road where he retired after twenty-six years of service.

On November 20, 1948 he married Rita Murray in Saint Charles Borromeo Church on Hall Street and the pair spent more than sixty-eight wonderful years together until her death on March 27, 2017.

Dick enjoyed stamp collecting and was an expert wood carver. He was always busy doing home projects and took great pride in maintaining his house. In addition, Dick was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local #866 in Waltham.

Along with his beloved wife, Rita, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert A. Qualters, who was killed in action during World War II, and Thomas W. Qualters.

He leaves his children, Linda M. Rockey (Robert) of Framingham, Jane C. Demers (Joseph) of Waltham, Robert E. Qualters (Terri) of Campton, New Hampshire, Steven T. Qualters (Deborah) of Chelmsford and James R. Qualters (Diane) of Pepperell; his grandchildren, Brenda MacLeod, Brian Demers, Rebecca Williams, Eric and Alisa Rockey, Chris, Abigail, and Gerard Qualters; ten great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dick’s life by gathering for a calling hour in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, April 19^th 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Saint Vincent dePaul Society at Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 or to a charity of one's choice.