Richard J. McCarron Was Known for Good Cheer

Richard J. McCarron Jr. died peacefully at the home of his parents, Richard and Anne McCarron, on Wednesday, April 5. He was 47. It was particularly fitting that Rick's last days were comforted by family and friends at his parents' home, because Rick was truly most at home on Martha's Vineyard and in Edgartown.

Rick was born off-Island in Newton on Jan. 30, 1959, the first of six children. While in the first grade, Rick's family moved to the same house on Clevelandtown Road where Rick's final days were spent. He attended the Edgartown School, and then the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, graduating with the class of 1977. Later, he attended New Hampshire College. After college and a brief stint in Boston, Rick returned to Edgartown where he lived for the remainder of his life.

In 1989 Rick married Susan Merrill. Although their marriage did not endure, it resulted in two loving daughters, Erica and Kelly, and Sue and Rick remained good friends and loving parents.

Rick was a worker. He became a fixture at Island institutions, first at the Barber Shop Deli, then at Al's Package Store and finally at Dukes County Savings Bank where he was a loan officer. He formed long-lasting and strong friendships everywhere: in childhood, at school and college, through his various places of employment, and through the lives of his daughters. The strength and support of all of Rick's friends buoyed him throughout his illness and reflected the impact that he had on so many people. His smile, good cheer, friendly demeanor and helpful attitude will be remembered by all.

In addition to his parents, Rick is survived by two wonderful daughters, Erica and Kelly, five siblings, Gregory, Philip, John, Robert and Mary, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass for Rick was celebrated on Saturday, April 8, in St. Elizabeth's Church in Edgartown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 2568, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to the American Cancer Society, 720 Main street, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and more information.