Richard F. Olefirowicz

Richard F. Olefirowicz, 88, of Methuen, went peacefully to his eternal reward on August 10, 2024 at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill, following a long period of decline.

The son of Polish immigrants Felix and Mary (Krasowska) Olefirowicz was born in Lawrence in a home birth on March 29, 1936, the youngest of eight siblings and three half-siblings. He was a proud life-long resident of Methuen and in the first graduating class from Tenney High School in 1954. Shortly after joining the Army Reserves, he later served in active duty during peace time before being honorably discharged for his service to our great nation.

He is predeceased by his parents, and siblings Blanche, Chester, Edward, Helen, Henry, Josephine, Paul, Sophie, and Stanley. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of over 56 years, Bronislawa “Blanche” (Swiderska) Olefirowicz of Methuen, their only son Joseph R. Olefirowicz of Nashua, NH, his brother John Olefirowicz and his wife Marlene of Spring Hill, FL, along with several nieces and nephews spread throughout the United States and Europe. He was a lifetime communicant of the former Holy Trinity Parish of Lawrence, serving as an usher, within the Holy Name Society, and later a parishioner of Saint Monica Church in Methuen.

Military clerical work experience led him to climb the banking industry ladder, ultimately serving the Methuen Jackson Street branch of the Lawrence Savings Bank as Branch Manager and as a certified specialist in SBLI Insurance products. He later pursued a long career in the Internal Revenue Service as a tax examiner, for which he received the Albert Gallatin Award from the United States Department of the Treasury, retiring from Federal service in April 2001.

Richard was a dedicated and loving husband and father, sparing nothing of his time, quiet talent and resources for his family. His life was fully dedicated to his wife and their avid love of flower and vegetable gardening, living an exemplary bond of the “for better or worse” marriage commitment. Once a pianist, an avid fisherman, marksman and hunter, he enjoyed constant outings in his younger years, later teaching his son how to fish at the Harold Parker State Forest and on the banks of the Merrimack River. Even in retirement years: he could swiftly target a bullseye!

The family would like to thank their generous and helping neighbors Bruce, Jeffrey, Jim, Karen, LeeAnne, Marlene, Mary and Mike; his in-home caregivers Rosa, Veannery and Wiselene; as well as the extraordinary team of compassionate angels charged with his hospice care, especially Marie and Tina.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00-7:00PM on Friday August 30 at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Saturday August 31 at the Saint Monica Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA 01844; interment to immediately follow, with military honors. To leave an online condolence, please visit Richard’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com

Memorial donations may be made to The First Church of Nashua, Pipe Organ Fund, 1 Concord Street, Nashua, NH 03064.

Rest in peace, good and faithful servant. You are loved.