Richard J. Hammond

Richard J. Hammond, age 79, of South Weymouth, passed away on December 26 at South Shore Hospital after a brief illness. He was born November 2, 1946 in Braintree, Massachusetts to the late Richard H. and Marian J. (Behan) Hammond. Richard (known as Dickie to his family) was raised in Braintree and was a graduate of Braintree High School, Class of 1964. He later earned his Associate in Science degree from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and graduated with a 4.0 average. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in marketing and accounting from the University of Delaware, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Tested with a genius level IQ, Richard was known for his keen memory and immediate recall.

Richard worked as a corporate tax accountant for over 30 years for Kevin Martin Associates, a CPA firm in Braintree, MA. A devoted employee who loved his job, he was close friends to both Kevin Martin, whom he viewed like a brother, and his wife Claire and their son Kevin Jr., who later ran the firm. Richard once explained that some of his tax returns “were as large as a Sears Roebuck catalogue.” He also ran a small tax accounting business.

Richard was a loyal Boston sports fan, especially the Boston Celtics, which he often watched with his mother, an avid basketball fan. He also enjoyed the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox but said his true love was college sports, which he enjoyed with his father.

As a youth, Richard’s first interest was art and in high school enrolled in the Famous Artists Workshops where his art was critiqued by famous artists. He continued painting as a hobby in college but dropped it to pursue his career in accounting.

Known for his keen sense of humor and quick wit, Richard once told a new employee at the CPA firm where he worked “that everyone dressed up for Halloween.” When she asked a fellow employee what they planned to wear for Halloween he said “What? Did you hear that from Richard, you can’t believe anything he says.”

Richard enjoyed his youth growing up in the Braintree Highlands where friends gathered to play baseball, basketball or football in his back yard. A natural athlete, he was known for his famous basketball hook shot. He loved snow and sledding at the Foster School across from his house.

He loved Christmas and always had his decorations and tree up before Thanksgiving. He enjoyed sharing holidays with his family and Christmas Eve with his cousins, the Behan’s and Nihitila’s in Holbrook. A generous person, he enjoyed gift giving and taking friends and family out to dinner.

Richard was a caring older brother to his two younger sisters, calling to check on them and always asking “so how you feeling?” He enjoyed following his three great nephews on Facebook and in text messages.

The family is grateful for the caring and excellent care he received at the South Shore Hospital.

Richard is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Hammond of Carver; Eileen F. Reece of Rochester; two nephews Nathaniel A. Reece of Rochester and his wife Jeanne, and Shaun P. Reece of Middleborough; and three great nephews, Benjamin, Samuel, and Luke Reece of Rochester. Richard is also survived by numerous cousins and his longtime friend Mini Le of Weymouth who brought him homemade meals and her two daughters Christine and Tammy who often visited.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of life at C.C. Shepherd Funeral Home, 134 Pleasant Street, Weymouth, MA followed by burial, alongside his parents, at the Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, support.kidney.org