Shrewsbury – Richard “Skip” Firmes, age 88, of Shrewsbury, passed away at home with his family by his side.
He was born, raised and educated in Worcester, graduating from Worcester Boys Trade School. Skip as he was known to family and friends was very proud to have served in the United States Coast Guard on the Nantucket Light Ship followed by a stint at the Hampton Beach LB Station until he was discharged in 1958. He entertained many with his wild sea stories from his time in the service. He held a long career with Mass Electric, retiring after 30 years as a Linemen.
Skip was a Boy scout leader in Shrewsbury for many years and loved sharing his knowledge of the wilderness with the boys in his troop. He had a great love for walking in the woods, gardening and most especially his passion for dogs was passed down to his children and his grandchildren.
He was married to his bride Anne Marie (Sullivan) Firmes, for 59 years, and they raised their three children in Shrewsbury He is survived by his loving wife, Anne, along with his two sons, Stephen Firmes and wife Kris of Douglas, MA and James and his wife Elissa of Candia, NH; his daughter Maryann Ridino and her husband Chris of Wareham, MA; five grandchildren, Nathan and Jason Firmes , Keleigh and Brittany and Hannah Ridino; he also leaves his two remaining siblings Linda Sarkisian of Hamilton, and Arlene Firmes of Brookfield.
Skip was very practical man and wished for no planned services. He did wish for donations in his memory to be made to The Baypath Humane Society (https://baypathhumane.org/) in Hopkinton, MA where he adopted his last rescue and much-loved dog “Skipper.”
The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
