CHARLESTOWN – Dr. Richard H. Messier, age 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Providence, RI after a long illness. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sandra Miguel; his beloved sister, Patricia M. Watson and her husband Douglas of Harwich, MA; nieces Sarah Watson of Waltham and Julia Watson of Ottawa, Canada. He was predeceased by his parents Harvey and Rita (Gregory) Messier.

Richard was born on May 16, 1946, in Pawtucket, RI, where he also graduated from St. Raphael Academy in 1964. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Engineering from Brown University. Richard further pursued his education, earning a Master's Degree in Engineering Mathematics and a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Solid Mechanics.

After earning multiple engineering degrees, he launched a successful career in the defense industry. He began at the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, followed by positions at General Dynamics in both Newport and Groton, CT. His engineering career spanned 42 years, culminating at Raytheon in Groton, CT, where he eventually retired. In addition, he served as an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, Orono.

One of Richard's passions was sailing. For many years Richard and Sandra enjoyed cruising off the coast of RI and Maine, as well as cooking, ball room dancing and playing tennis with Sandra. He also enjoyed playing golf and reading. For most of his adult life, Richard had a devoted Golden Retriever, Toby, by his side. Their morning walks were something he deeply cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass in Richards' memory at St. Joseph's Church on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Somerset. Arrangements were under the direction of the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St. Fall River.

To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please click the Guest Book below. You may also light a candle in honor of Richard. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to be made in his honor to either the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or log onto https://donate.cancer.org/  or St. Jude, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or log onto https://www.stjude.org/give.html