Richard was born in New Bedford, to the late Antone G. Rose and Florence (Bettencourt) Rose, and lived the first years of his life there. In December of 1943 he joined the U.S. Army as part of the infantry, serving in the European theater. After a yearlong hospitalization, connected to war related injuries, he returned to New Bedford. He and Dolores married and settled in Dartmouth where he lived out the rest of his life.

Richard worked at a variety of jobs over the course his life. Eventually, he worked for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation as a Lock and Draw Operator, first on the Brightman Street Bridge and then on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. He retired as Chief Lock and Draw Operator of the latter.

Patience, kindness, humility and quiet strength were the hallmarks of the character of this gentle man. He had an uncanny ability to recognize the humor in any situation he encountered and that remained intact until the very end of his life.

Richard loved children. He resided in that world of great grandfathers. On an ordinary day or at any family gathering, one might have happened upon him on the floor or at a table with the little ones absorbed in play. Whether as Gramps, Uncle Richard or Mr. Rose, he truly engaged with the children in his life.

Richard loved the ocean and all things related to it. Spending time on his skiff, digging for quahogs or scallops, boating with family, fishing, and crabbing, were the things that brought him profound joy.

Richard loved working with wood. From the smallest to the largest project, he was a perfectionist to the nth degree. In our family he was the quintessential handyman. Cabinet and model making were among the many activities he so enjoyed. He continued to work on models with David Tetrault, his devoted primary caregiver, throughout the last year of his life.

Richard brought to everyone with whom he engaged, an admirable and unique perspective on life. The man and his point of view will be missed.

Richard is survived by two children, Susan R. Francoeur and her husband Michael Francoeur of Somerset, MA and Dr. Michael Rose and his wife Maribeth of Florence, SC; six grandchildren, Matthew Francoeur, Dr. Katie Rose, Daniel Francoeur, Christopher Rose, Andrew Rose and Evan Rose; four great-grandchildren, Vivienne and Edward Bleakley V, Liam Rose and Eli Francoeur; several devoted nieces and nephews; grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

Richard was the brother of the late John Rose and the late Alice (Rose) Rapoza.

His visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 AM at St. Mary's Church, South Dartmouth. Burial will follow in South Dartmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 or online at www.dav.org. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.