Richard J. Tyrell, 75, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024. Born in Springfield to the late Frank and Vivienne (Mougin) Tyrell, Richie attended Springfield public schools and on May 4, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was sent to Vietnam, where he served an extended tour of 19 months. He earned two Purple Hearts, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was employed by the US Postal Service for 22 years before retiring in 2004. In 1982, he married Patricia MacKay and became a family with her and her daughter Hilary M. Riel. Richie was Springfield Veteran of the Year in 2019, and throughout his life, he was involved in many veterans' causes and organizations including a life member of the VVA, DAV, and the Marine Corps League. He served for 12 years as chairman of Springfield Veterans Activities Committee and was a member of the mayor's Commission on Disabilities. Besides his wife and daughter, he survived by his brother-in-law Charlie Arment, Joan and Dick Thomas, Carol and Rodney Dolan, Dorothy M. Leblanc, Judy Tyrell, Tom and Debbie Tyrell, Bobby and Karla Tyrell, Marlene and Buzzy Conlin, Connie and Jeff Feuerstein, Ronnie and Joan Tyrell, Barbara Tyrell Kelliher, Jack and June Tyrell, and numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, many friends, and the son he never had Luis Vazquez. He was predeceased by his sister Anne Arment, sister Pat and brother-in-law Danny Cyr, brother Raymond, brother-in-law Joe Kelliher, friend Joe Accetta, and his very best friend Neville Sweeney. Visiting hours for Richie will be held on Monday, September 9th from 4:00-7:30pm in Ludlow Funeral Home concluding with a funeral home chapel service at 7:30pm. Family and friends are then asked to gather for committal services with military honors on Wednesday, September 11th at 3:00pm directly at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
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Previous Events
Visitation
9
Sep
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
9
Sep
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Graveside
11
Sep
1390 Main Street
Agawam, Ma 01001
Cemetery Details
Location
1390 Main Street
Agawam, Ma 01001
