April 29, 1954 – April 30, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Peter Richey. Peter passed away after a mighty struggle on April 30, 2024, the day after his 70th birthday. Peter was born in Newton, MA, on April 29, 1954, on his brother Jimmy’s second birthday. He grew up in Reading, MA. Although he lived in many places during his life, including Providence, RI, Palo Alto, CA, Mobile, AL, and Lynn and S. Boston, MA, Peter had made his home with his mother in Reading over the last few years. There he was Mum’s devoted and expert caregiver, allowing her to remain in her home where she still lives today.
Peter leaves his mother, Christine Richey (who turned 100 years old last year); his sister, Susan Richey, and her husband, Tom Kane; his brother, Mark Richey, and his wife, Teresa, and his sister-in-law, Passang Richey. He was predeceased by his father, Eugene Richey and his brother, Jimmy Richey. He also leaves nieces and nephews: Francis, Alan and Ita Kane; Natalia Richey and her wife Kenzie, and their two children, Frida and Oskar; and Passang Sherpa Richey. Peter also leaves his dear friend of fifty-plus years, John Stanley. Finally, he leaves behind his beloved cat, Ed the 3rd.
In his youth, Peter was an avid figure skater and an accomplished swimmer. He was a member of the drama club at Reading High School, where he excelled academically. Peter graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1978 with a degree in Art Education. He worked at the MIT Libraries until health issues forced an early retirement. Peter spent ten years on dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant and new lease on life fifteen years ago. That kidney served him well until the final days of his most recent illness.
Peter traveled extensively as a young man. He was a talented artist whose works adorn our family homes. He loved music and played the clarinet and recorder in amateur ensembles, and played piano by ear. Over the years Peter sang with the UU church choir as well as the Reading Community Singers and the Andover Choral Society.
Our family is grateful for the many kind words and support of friends and family, and especially to Carolyn Whiting for her help over the past weeks. We are also truly grateful to our mother’s caregivers; Eugenia, Francisca. Juana and Ester, who helped our Mum when Peter was no longer able to do so, and also cared for and supported him during a difficult time.
Please join our family to celebrate Peter’s life on Friday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 239 Woburn St. Reading MA 01867. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to The Boston Living Center, vpi.org/blc, or Northeast Animal Shelter, mspca.org.
Peter-May You Rest in Peace and May Your Memory Be a Blessing
