Richard Joseph Sotir, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 in his Norfolk, Massachusetts home. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 25, 1951, he was the son of the late Rachie and Stacia (Gutowski) Sotir. Dick spent his early years living in Roslindale, where he attended Boston Technical School through his sophomore year in high school, working hard to be a standout athlete on the basketball court and track, in addition to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. After moving to Walpole, Massachusetts in 1967, Dick brought his athletic skills set to Walpole High School, earning his Varsity Letter from the Track Program before graduating with the Class of 1969. Following his graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force National Guard, receiving his basic training in Texas in August of 1969. Upon his return home, Dick took a position with Urban Renewal in Boston, working as a journeyman plumber and later a temporary position as a letter carrier with the Walpole Post Office.
Dick married his beloved wife, Mary E. Feldman on October 23, 1976 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole. Together, they made their home in Wrentham, Massachusetts, and Dick began his career with S.M. Lorusso & Sons, working as a dispatcher. In 1983, Dick and Mary settled in Norfolk, Massachusetts, where they welcomed their two children, Vanessa and Alexander. Dick continued his career with S.M. Lorusso for 37 years before his retirement in 2014.
Throughout his life, Dick loved to travel and explore foreign places and cultures. Backpacking first through Europe with two friends and then again with his wife Mary. Some of his other favorite vacations included a private tour of Egypt, cruises on the Danube River and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as trips to Greece, Jamaica, and Hawaii. However the trip he most looked forward to was his annual family vacation to Eastham on Cape Cod, a tradition that continued for 20 years. Dick's interest in other cultures did not end with his travel, as an avid reader, he was constantly expanding his knowledge about the history and culture of the Middle East.
As an avid sports fan, Dick enjoyed following the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots. He also enjoyed participating in pickup games of basketball with family and friends. While he kept busy, nothing made him happier than being with his family, usually with some background music playing, courtesy of the Rolling Stones.
Beloved husband of Mary E. Feldman.
Loving father of Vanessa Scungio and her husband, Shawn, of Uxbridge and Alexander Sotir and his wife, Tayler, of Londonderry, New Hampshire.
Brother of Constance Sotir-Kane and her husband, Timothy Kane, of Wrentham.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Dick's Life Celebration on Sunday, June 28, 2020 from 2 to 5 PM and Monday, June 29, 2020 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540 Boston, MA 02114.
