Richard N. Dormail

Richard N. Dormail, 32, of Methuen & Lawrence, MA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family. Richard was born and raised in Groton, MA, and a cheerful, loving son to his mother Merilyn and his father John.

Richard was a devoted husband to his wife, Roxana, with whom he spent nearly 14 years and half his life. He entered not just her life but the lives of her two daughters, Jacquelyn and Jillian, embracing them with the widest of arms and offering them unconditional love. He held within him happiness and acceptance and his only desire was to share that happiness with everyone and anyone he could. It was this happiness that defined the bond between Richard and Roxana. Each time he came to holiday gatherings, he was elated to arrive arm-in-arm with Roxana, and the most common topic of discussion was the family’s gratitude for the joy with which she filled him. He went everywhere with his soulmate, from “glamping” at the family property in the mountains of Vermont to strolling the streets of Boston.

Richard was an enthusiastic member and an eventual leader of the Groton Boy Scouts and junior councilor at summer Scout Camp Wanocksett for years. He excelled in technology and built his first computer in his early teens. He graduated from Nashoba Tech Vocational School as head of his class, specializing in Culinary Arts. He worked for years in the retail restaurant business. He eventually became a certified trainer and helped set up and open new store locations. He was constantly honing his skill in cooking, the craft to which he devoted so much of his life. He joined the corporate food services business and served in the kitchens of Eurest/Compass Group for seven years. Later, he went on to complete managerial training and took on a new manager role for Eurest at Raytheon.

In 2022, Richard and Roxana moved from Methuen to Lawrence. It was in Lawrence, while working from home despite his illness, that Richard found his online calling as a staff member for the space-exploration network known as The Launch Pad. His family and those who knew him virtually can attest to his passion for space and the marvelous strides humanity has made in exploring it.

Richard leaves behind Roxana and his adoring family, but more than that, he leaves behind invaluable memories of warmth, connection, empathy, and kind-spirited humor. The cliché “too good for this world” is often thrown about, but Richard embodied this phrase. He carried himself with a degree of wisdom and lighthearted ease well beyond his years. He gave himself when he had nothing to give. He put the needs of everyone else before himself, often to a fault, and found joy in the joy of others.

Richard also leaves behind a sister, Kristina, as well as one niece and four nephews: Dustin, Brendan, Jesse, Nicole and Ryan. Richard’s dog, Teddy, was allowed to pay his last visit to Richard, a kindness for which we would like to thank the Medical ICU staff at Lahey.

A private service will be held for Richard, consisting of his family of wife, daughters, parents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial gathering of Richard’s family and friends will be held on Saturday April 22, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Badger Funeral Home in Groton.

Friends, coworkers and family will be able to share stories, remembering Richard as he would have loved. Toasting, eating and celebrating while reminiscing of our fond memories while smiling through tears.

Please join us on Sunday April 23, 2023 from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at Riverwalk Apartments Community Room 1 S Union St. Lawrence, MA 01843. (1 year and 6 months from the day we married). Please RSVP to Richards Facebook page if you will be attending. https://www.facebook.com/rdormail