Richard Saulnier, 1935–2025, loving husband and father

Richard C. Saulnier died Saturday, Dec. 6 2025 in Maristhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 90.

Richard was born Jul. 26 1935 in Belmont, a son of the late Leger and Irene Mary (Comeau) Saulnier. Raised in Waltham he later served honorably in the U.S. Army and on Sept. 7 1958 he married Waltham native Jane P. Morris in Saint Charles Borromeo Church. Richard worked as a meatcutter for Underwood Deviled Ham in Watertown for over 30 years and later in its facilities management department in its Westwood location. He also worked in the same capacity at Meditech in Westwood.

Richard as he was formally addressed was also known as ‘Uncle Ricky’, ‘Dick’ or ‘Rick’. He loved a project at hand and puttering around at home and in his yard. Not only was there never a leaf on his lawn in the fall, he tended to his neighbors’ yards as well.

Family vacations on Cape Cod in West Yarmouth were an annual welcomed respite, as well as Sunday drives out of Waltham, where one of many stops included Dairy Joy in Weston. ‘Ricky1’ license plate adorned a few of his cars but perhaps his 1973 Cadillac Green Deville was his favorite. And amongst many other wonderful memories his constant whistle to various melodies became his trademark.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Cole Chaprales; siblings, Theresa Palmer, Harold Saulnier, Donald Saulnier, Hazel Grimes, Robert Saulnier and Mary Gardiner.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, Jane, he leaves his children, Irene M. Henderson (Mark) of Onset, Audrey J. Chaprales (James) of Waltham and Richard C. ‘Rick’ Saulnier Jr. (Kathleen Fontes) of Waltham; his grandchildren, Kyle Henderson (Emily), Wade Henderson, Molly Henderson (Sam Gnazzo), Chase Chaprales and Avery Chaprales; his great-granddaughter, Sophie Henderson; his sister, Doris Young of Waltham; and nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Richard’s life by gathering for an afternoon wake at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Monday morning where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham. Honoring his style, casual dress is encouraged.