OBITUARY: Richard J. Lapham, 68

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Richard J. Lapham, “Richie”, age 68, of Gilmanton, NH, formerly of Wilmington, MA, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 13, 2025.

Richie was born on February 8, 1957, in Cambridge, MA; he was the cherished only son of the late Wallace A. and Mary A. (Kalukiewicz) Lapham. Richie was raised and educated in Wilmington and a graduate of Wilmington High School where he made many life-long friends.

Richie was a hard worker; for many years he was a cement truck driver for the J. G. McLellan Company in Lowell, until he retired in February of 2021. Richie was never one to sit still so in the spring of 2021 he went back to driving a mixer a couple of days a week for the Coleman Concrete Company.

When not working, Richie enjoyed travelling with family and friends and going to the dog parks with his faithful companion Tucker. Richie loved to head out on his motorcycle; he looked forward to “bike weeks” in Laconia, Daytona Beach, or Sturgis, South Dakota. Richie enjoyed being out on the open road, taking in the scenery, and having fun.

Richie will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his sense of humor, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. He loved his animals especially his favorite dogs Tucker and Spike. Richie lived life on his own terms; he was “one of a kind” and will forever be missed by all who loved him.

Richie was the beloved husband of Suzanne Gandolfi-Lapham (Ball), he was the devoted father of Janice Lapham and Joseph Lapham, stepfather of Alex Gandolfi and his wife Nicole. Dear “Papa” of Kylei, Jacob, and Kolby, brother of Patricia Stairs and her late husband Charlie and Mary “Missie” Barron. He was fondly known as “Uncle Gubby” to his godson and nephew Chris Stairs with whom he shared a special bond, nephew Jamie Stairs and his wife Michelle, and his nieces Jennifer Stairs and her husband David Kubasiak, Veronica Barron, Jessica Spears, Jacqueline Barron, and his great-nieces and great-nephews. Richie is also survived by his Business Partner and friend David Robinson as well as his many friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, February 20th for Visitation from 4:00-6:30 p.m. with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richie’s memory to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.