Richard M. Wainwright

Richard “Dick” Mace Wainwright

August 21, 1935 – February 14, 2021 

(Of York, ME and Palm Coast, FL; formerly of Scituate, MA, Dennis, MA, and Needham, MA)

Richard, the son of Bertha (Bee) Hicks Wainwright and Edwin M. Wainwright was born in Newton, MA. He was an avid sportsman during his years at Needham High School and his post grad year at Tilton Academy. He completed two years at Drew University before joining the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Italy. While in the service, Richard spent his free time working with priests and orphans at St. Dominico, which was a life-changing experience. Richard returned home to finish college at Boston University earning national honors and his B.A. in Experimental Psychology and Government. He also studied abroad at the University of Oslo in Norway.

Early in life, Richard took to heart three mottos: help the other fellow, press on regardless, and do random acts of kindness. His work spanned many vocations which supported these beliefs. He was a teacher, coach, headmaster, entrepreneur, and mostly notably an award-winning author. Each book is unique and shares a common thread—all of his work focuses on family values and compassion as a way to cope with and overcome a variety of life's challenges.

Richard survived his loving first wife, D’Ann (O’Brien) Wainwright, whom he was married to for 33 years. He is survived by his wonderful second wife, Judith Wainwright (Smith) and her family: Coleby and Ed Mancini (and young son Matthew); Doug and Peggy Mantz (and their accomplished daughters: Sarah, Kelley, and Maggie). Dick is also survived by his eight Ecuadorian godchildren, including Maria Herrera and Joe Mussato and their children Benjamin and Rebecca; Freddy and Mariana Chávez and their children Michael and Richard; Pablo and Maggie Herrera and their children Jacob and Pablito; Cesar Herrera and his children Dylan and Nina. Richard is also survived by his sisters Nancy McLeod of Warwick, RI and Susan Clark of Millis, MA. He leaves four nieces and two nephews.

He was predeceased by his younger brother, Bob who died at the age of 33. Bob greatly influenced Richard's life's experiences, his career choices, as well as themes in his writings.

Richard had a great love of travel, boating, fishing, golf, and spending time family and friends. According to his grandson Matthew, “Grandpa Richard loved banana bread!”

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Epilepsy Foundation, or York Hospital of York, ME.

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