Richard Lowe Hale

Concord, Massachusetts - On Sunday, November 12, after several beautiful days surrounded by family, Richard Lowe Hale’s gentle, giving spirit passed on. He and his loving wife of 65 years, Joan Dexter Hale, met at 14 and had their first date on March 22, 1952. In addition to Joanie, he is survived by his brothers Thomas and David Hale and their wives, Barbara and Martha, and his children: daughter Susan Hale Kahan and her husband Alex, son Robert Gordon Hale, daughter Beth Hale Nelson and her husband Larry, and daughter Janet Lowe Hale and her husband, John McElman. In the days before his passing, Dick was brought such joy and comfort by the presence of all 12 of his grandchildren, who knew him as Gar: Jory and Elisha Kahan; Lucas, Taylor, and Cassidy Hale; Andrew and Mae Nelson; Rachael, Natalie, Sawyer, Hunter, and Ali Murphy, their youngest grandchild, who was born March 22 on the anniversary of her grandparents’ first date. He was also joined virtually by his great-grandchildren: Cole Tellinghuisen and Nadia, Letty, and Jovie Nelson.

Dick Hale was born in Boston on October 10, 1936, and spent his early childhood in Medford before moving to Lexington. He was President of the Lexington High School Class of 1954 and later a member of the DU fraternity at Tufts University class of 1958, spearheading high school and college reunions for many decades. He and Joanie settled in Concord, Massachusetts, where they raised their children, and he owned Shoemaker & Jennings for more than 45 years.

His dedication to the Rotary Club was unparalleled, and he was recently recognized for his 60 years of perfect attendance. Dick was instrumental in the revitalization of Monument Square and Kenneth Dunn Square, the Concord War Memorial, and the installation of the Concord Bell, the Emerson Hospital helipad, and the Concord Pops Concerts, benefitting many charities. He was also a member of the White Pond Board of Directors for over 45 years, serving as president for many of them.

Dick enjoyed birding since the age of six, a gift he shared most especially with his grandson Lucas. He always loved being present at his grandchildren’s sporting events, including soccer, football, basketball, swimming, baseball, skiing, tennis, and track. Dick was so incredibly proud of every one of them. He especially enjoyed summers in Weld, Maine, where he was in awe of the eagles and loons and felt compelled to share the most beautiful sunsets over Tumbledown Mountain with all who could not be there to experience them with him.

Dad will be so missed. To his family, Gar was iconic, superhuman.

A private family service is planned for next summer in Maine. 

In his honor, please give to the Richard Hale Scholarship Fund.

Checks with the memo line indicating the Richard Hale Scholarship Fund can be mailed to:
Rotary Club of Concord Charitable Endowment, Inc.
c/o Rosario Mario F. Rizzo, Esq.
801 Main Street, Suite 2A
Concord, MA 01742-3323

Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742  978-369-3388  www.concordfuneral.com