Richard J Lettieri

Richard J Lettieri,76, of Osprey FL, formerly of Swampscott MA, passed away on May 4, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with heart disease.

Richard was born on May 29, 1947 to Roy and Genevieve Lettieri in Chelsea MA. After graduating Chelsea High School, Richard attended and graduated from Villanova University in 1969, where he was a three-year starting letterman on the varsity baseball team. As a student-athlete at Villanova, Richard was recognized by the Outstanding Americans Foundation as an Outstanding College Athlete of America for his academic and athletic achievements. Upon graduation, Richard taught algebra and geometry at St. Dominic Savio High School in East Boston for two years. Richard then enrolled in law school at Boston College, where he graduated in 1974 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Richard was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association in 1975. Richard had a 40 year, esteemed legal career including a nine-year stint with the Massachusetts Port Authority where he was Chief Legal Counsel from 1981-1986. Richard's career path then took him to the prestigious Boston law firm Ropes & Gray where he spent 25 years, excelling as a Partner from 1990-2012. While at Ropes & Gray, Richard's practice focused on Corporate Law, Public Development and Airport Law.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was a man of uncompromised, high integrity with a passion for justice and kindness for the poor and the underserved. He took great pride in serving as a Board Member of the New England Center and Home for Veterans, as well as supporting numerous charities that help the needy and disadvantaged.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; his younger brother, Ronald; his aunt Lucy Ryan; and his loving partner of 35 years the distinguished artist, Jennifer L. Pierce. Richard is survived by his younger brother, Roy of San Francisco; two nieces; numerous cousins in the Boston area; and his cousin, Ann Marie Lane of Chicago.

A private ceremony is planned at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. The Lettieri Family requests any consideration for donations be made to the American Heart Association or New England Center and Home for Veterans in memory of Richard Joseph Lettieri.

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