Richard D. Ahern

Richard D. Ahern of Ashland, formerly of Waltham,  passed away peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his home. He was 92.

Richard was born in Waltham on October 5, 1931, to John F. and Marie O. (Demers) Ahern. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1950, where he excelled in football, baseball, and his favorite sport, basketball. Richard often fondly reminisced about his days playing basketball against rival St. Mary's.

During his high school years, Richard worked as a caddy and developed a lifelong passion for golf. His talent for the sport earned him the Francis Ouimet Scholarship. Richard initially attended Boston College but left to honorably serve in the United States Army. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Boston College and graduated with the class of 1957.

Richard began his career as an insurance adjuster before transitioning into a successful sales career, in which he was perfectly suited for due to his friendly and personable nature. Even throughout his professional life, he never lost his love for golf and continued to play competitively and for leisure. Richard was a longtime member of Wampatuck Country Club in Canton and the Wayland Country Club, Inner Club. He achieved an incredible feat by recording FOUR holes-in-one throughout his golfing journey, one of which resulted in winning the new car parked next to the hole!

When he wasn't on the golf course, Richard enjoyed handicapping horse racing and avidly supported all Boston sports teams, particularly the Red Sox. He held season tickets for many years.

Always looking to keep his mind sharp, even when relaxing, Richard enjoyed crosswords, playing bridge, and was well read on topics of history and politics; thoroughly enjoying conversations on both.

In 1970, Richard married Carmel LeBlanc in Waltham, and from that point on, his happiest moments revolved around his family. He treasured family get-togethers and never missed an opportunity to witness his grandsons competing in various sports.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his siblings, John Francis Ahern, George Ahern, Rose Kaufman, Margaret Curtin, Paul Ahern, and Bernadette Ahern.

Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carmel (Leblanc) Ahern; his son Brian Ahern and his wife Beth Yeager Ahern, of Westwood; his grandchildren, Christopher Ahern and his wife Elizabeth, and Patrick Ahern and his wife Meryl; his great grandchildren, Luke J. Ahern, Piper E. Ahern and Dillon H. Ahern; his siblings, Robert Ahern, and Mary Ellen Hill and her husband Elroy. Richard also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Richard’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20) Waltham, on Sunday, January 28th from 3 to 5 p.m. and again Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River St., Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will take place on Tuesday afternoon at 12:45 p.m. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund at: https://www.jimmyfund.org/ or by mail to: Dana Farber Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline MA 02445-7226