Richard J. Faulstich

Richard Joseph Faulstich was born on October 30, 1929 in Boston, MA. He grew up in the Fort Hill section of Roxbury, the youngest of six children. Despite losing both parents at a young age, he shared memories of a happy childhood surrounded by a loving extended family and having adventures driving the family Chevy at 13 and roller skating with his siblings in their living room.

Richard was educated at both Boston College and Boston College High School, giving him the distinction of being a “Double Eagle.” He served in the army during the Korean Conflict, stationed stateside in New Orleans which nourished his love of jazz, tasty food and “bon temps rouler.”

Richard then returned to Massachusetts where he began a human resources career in the aerospace/defense industry. He became an accomplished and respected business executive, traveling the world, culminating in a role at the international headquarters of the Raytheon Corporation and serving as faculty at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies.

Richard met the love of his life, Ann McCarthy, while teaching Sunday school. They were married at Mission Church, Boston on April 27, 1957 and settled in Waltham where they lived for over 60 years in the Cedarwood neighborhood. They raised two daughters, Marie and Julie, and for many years were guardians of Richard’s nephew, William Moran. Richard and Ann created a beautiful home and were unfailingly gracious hosts to Richard’s large extended family and many friends and neighbors. 

Richard was a devoted husband and father. Spending time with his family was his top priority. His own passion for music and the arts - enjoying everything from Sondheim to Ella Fitzgerald to Beethoven to Bonnie Raitt - as well as being a regular theatergoer and faithful New Yorker subscriber, instilled in his children a love of culture and a deep appreciation for the arts. A lifelong Red Sox fan who worked concessions at Fenway as a teenager, his first act upon retirement was to buy tickets for Opening Day. He also enjoyed fine European automobiles and spent many hours behind the wheel of his bright red Alfa Romeo Spider convertible, which his family preferred over his Renault LeCar. He and Ann enjoyed many domestic and international adventures in their happy retirement together. 

Richard was unfailingly kind, generous with his time and talent, and possessed both deep compassion and a dry sense of humor. He volunteered at St. Francis House in Boston and was a long standing board member of Bass River Inc, an organization devoted to providing dignified care to individuals with developmental disabilities.  He found joy in everything he did and viewed life as a gift to be savored.

Richard died peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2022, a few weeks after celebrating his 93rd birthday. He is survived by his wife, Ann, of Southbury CT, and daughters Marie Verde (Michael) of Pelham NY and Julie of Branford CT as well as his two beloved granddaughters, Catherine Verde Hashim (Max) and Emma Verde and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his five siblings, Charles, Francis, Dorothy Moran, Virginia McDonald, and Barbara Stillman. He was well loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed

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 Tuesday, December 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial is private.

Memorials in his name may be made to Faulstich Student Empowerment Scholarship, Westover School, 1237 Whittemore Road, Middlebury, CT 06762 or www.westoverschool.org/support/make-a-gift or Bass River Inc., 437 Essex Street, Beverly, MA 01915 or https://bassriver-inc.org/