Gloucester - Richard "Rich" C. Hilshey passed away on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Richard was born in Gloucester, MA on December 27, 1956. He was the son of H. Virginia Hilshey and Raymond Hilshey, Sr., both of Gloucester, MA.

He attended Gloucester Public Schools and graduated from Gloucester High School in 1976. Following graduation, Rich worked at the fish pier and worked as a master carpenter and later became a licensed general contractor. He worked on many homes and businesses around the city of Gloucester.

In January 1984, Rich joined the Gloucester Fire Department and proudly served the community for over 18 years. He was impassioned about all aspects of the firefighter job and responsibilities. Rich was most happy when at work and was always ready to serve his community.

Richard married Nancy Lawrence from Methuen, MA on April 16, 1993, at St. Peters Church, Gloucester, MA. Soon after, land in West Gloucester was purchased and Rich began to clear the land and build our beautiful home on Concord Street.

Richard has two children, Rachel and Ryan both of Gloucester, MA. Recently, Ryan bought his grandmother's home on Elizabeth Road where he currently resides with his partner Amber Hobbs. This brought great joy to Richard.

Rich had a number of hobbies including skiing with his son Ryan in Stowe Vermont where they would stay with his cousin Rudy Laine and his wife Elaine in their beautiful home. When his children were younger Rich would take them kayaking off stone pier in West Gloucester to Wingaersheek beach. Rich's beloved dog Taylor always rode with him.

Rich was a staple at the boulevard, where he could be found early in the morning sitting with his friends with coffee in hand, or silently reading the Gloucester Daily Times. In his later years he would get together with his high school friends on Wednesday afternoons to play bocce ball.

Rich was passionate about sports, he never missed watching a game and would often plan his week around the New England sports schedule. His passion for sports extended to all Gloucester High School games which he would attend, and later streamed from the comfort of his recliner.

Richard will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Hilshey; daughter, Rachel Hilshey; son, Ryan Hilshey; brother, Raymond Hilshey Jr. and his wife Mary Hilshey and their two children, Victoria Hilshey and Luke Hilshey.

He is predeceased by his parents, his dog, Taylor and cousin, Rudy Laine.

Visiting hours will be held at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. followed by a procession to Dolliver Memorial Cemetery in West Gloucester.

For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com