Richard "Dick" A. Hurley

Leominster – Richard “Dick” Hurley of Leominster passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Ellen (Garlick) Hurley; his daughter, Johanna Wilson, and his cherished grandchildren, Amaya and Gabriel Wilson, all of Leominster. He also leaves his sister Pamela and her husband Wayne Casavoy of Leominster; nephews Kieran and Pat Gilman, and Pat’s wife Casey Gilman. Dick is also survived by his brother Kevin Hurley and his wife Denise of Springfield, MA, and his daughter Melissa Hurley of Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Doris (Vickery) Hurley, and his nephew, Ryan Hurley.

 Born in Fitchburg, Dick was a proud graduate of Fitchburg High School (Class of 1967) and Mount Wachusett Community College. He spent his professional life in the packaging industry, building lasting relationships through his roles at Star Container, Creative Packaging, and Romanow Container. But it was through coaching and community that Dick truly left his mark.

Softball was more than a sport to Dick—it was a calling. From coaching Lassie League’s Blue Dolphins, starting in 1990 to co-founding the Leominster Lightning 14U, 16 U, and 18U travel team, and eventually leading collegiate teams at Franklin Pierce University, Fitchburg State University, Assumption University, and Becker College, Dick inspired generations of young athletes. One of his proudest coaching moments came in 2016 when he led Becker to a New England Collegiate Conference Championship and was named NECC Coach of the Year.

He also served as a respected USA Softball umpire, calling games across Worcester County. Dick loved spending time with family and friends, especially co-hosting holiday dinners and vacationing in Ogunquit, ME. He was a devoted “Papa” to his grandchildren, proudly attending his granddaughter’s lacrosse and volleyball games at St. Bernard’s High School and supporting his grandson’s AAU basketball teams. Most recently, he coached his grandson’s 8th-grade basketball team at St. Leo’s School and assisted with the Leominster 8th-grade travel basketball team.

He was an avid runner—regularly running up to four miles a day—and participated in numerous local charity 5Ks. He also enjoyed golf and was a member of Monoosnock Country Club in Leominster.

 A man of deep kindness, humility, and strength, Dick lived a life of service. He was a faithful member of St. Leo’s Parish and gave generously of his time and talents to the people and causes he cared about —always with a smile, a joke, and a sense of purpose. Dick Hurley lived his life with love, integrity, and grace. His impact will be felt for many years, not only through the teams he coached or the games he called, but in the lives he touched and the family he adored. He will be deeply missed, and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to St. Leo's building Fund or The Leominster Lassie League, P.O.Box 362, Leominster, MA 01453

Calling hours for Dick will be held on Tuesday, July 22,2025 from 5  until 7p.m. at the funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 23,2025 @ 11a.m. in St. Leo's Church , 128 Main St. Leominster, MA