October 9, 1946 – July 2, 2023
Richard H. Sykes, a resident of Reading for 45 years, formerly of North Reading, passed away on July 2, 2023, at the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers. He was 76 years of age.
Richard was born on October 9, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Harold and Esther M. (Day) Sykes. He grew up in Somerville and graduated in the class of 1964 from Somerville High School.
Richard was a licensed graduate of East Coast Aero Technical School and focused his career on engineering and technical supervision. His passions were family, fishing, and spending time in the great outdoors. His dedication and love for his children was unwavering and immeasurable. Above all, Richard was an incredibly proud Veteran of the United States Army. He was honorably discharged after serving two tours in Vietnam as Helicopter Crew Chief and was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart.
Richard was the beloved husband of Veronica A. (Sidelinker) Sykes for over fifty years. Devoted father of C. Shane Sykes and his wife Florence of Winthrop, Richard H. Sykes, Jr. and his wife Heather of Auburn, WA, and Jaime R. Sykes of Lynnfield. Adored papa of Dylan, Mason, Jordan, and Chase Sykes. Cherished brother of Gail Hazelton and her late husband Paul of Medford, Alison O’Connor and her husband Fred of Malden and the late Paul Sykes. Dearest friend of Michael Massone and his wife Pauline of New Boston, NH. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. Brother in-law of Wilson Sidelinker and his wife is Denise of Baltimore, MD, and the late Les Sidelinker and his wife, Cheryl. He will always be remembered as the neighborhood dog whisperer, his kindness, generosity, wit, wisdom, authenticity, and remarkable smile.
A funeral service will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading, on Wednesday, July 12, at 12:00 PM. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am-12:00 PM. A private burial will be held at the V.A. National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to Northeast Animal Shelter 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970. www.northeastanimalshelter.org
