January 25, 1945 ~ July 15, 2023

Richard J. Hargraves 78, of Peabody passed away surrounded by family on Saturday July 15, 2023 at Rosewood Nursing Home, Peabody.

Born in Somerville on January 25, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph and Phyllis (Hodge) Hargraves. 

He was married to Mary (Rossi) Hargraves in 1968 and had two children, Lauren Gordon of Ipswich and Christopher Hargraves of Georgetown. 

Richard was a 1963 graduate of Peabody High School.

He was a member of the Italian/American and Elks Club in Peabody and enjoyed participating in many events sponsored by the clubs. He annually dressed up as Santa to hand out presents to special needs children, as well as grilling burgers and dogs for the participants in the ‘Not So Great Race’.

He is predeceased by his Aunt Kay (Hodge) and Uncle Thomas Doherty of Peabody, who provided a home for him after his mother passed. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Richard Diamond of West Newbury, and his siblings; Robert and wife Barbara of Raymond NH, Susan and husband Frank McCarthy, Jr. of Nahant, Pamela and husband Edward Ferreira of Naples FL, David and wife Judith Dempster of Bokeelia FL, Erin and husband Dennis Heenan of Salem, Shawn and wife Jean Doherty of Bedford, Peter and wife Jane of New Market MD, Thomas and wife Jamie Doherty of Derry NH, Maureen (predeceased) and husband Herbert Mores of Peabody, and many nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Richard could not help but be engulfed in his charismatic personality. He prided himself on telling a good story, delivering a joke and just genuinely making people laugh. His favorite times were spent with family and friends at holidays, cookouts, pool parties or simply getting together for a night out.

His family takes comfort in many memories of vacations together in North Conway, unforgettable experiences in Italy, relaxing on tropical beaches and just simple occasions of enjoying a cigar on the back deck with “the guys”.

Along with his children, he found joy in spending time with his grandchildren, Leah and Samuel Gordon of Ipswich, and Ryan and Danielle Hargraves of Boxford/Georgetown. When they were young, he was known as the ‘Papa Monster’, and they all enjoyed watching many episodes of SpongeBob Square Pants and learning the strategies of various card games.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to benefit Alzheimers research or Care Dimensions. A celebration of life will be held for Richard’s family and friends to gather together and remember Richard through stories and shared memories.