Gloucester - Richard Allen Royer, 86, a resident of Gloucester, Massachusetts, formerly of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. He was born in Haverhill on July 25, 1939, to the late Marie (Caron) Royer.

He built his career through hard work and determination. Starting out as a welder, he worked his way up to become Plant Manager and eventually retiring from Process Engineering in Plaistow, New Hampshire, where he worked from the 1960s until the 1990s.

Richard had a lifelong passion for judo. He was a well-regarded black belt who competed nationally in the 1960s. In the years that followed, he shared his knowledge by running the Haverhill Judo Club throughout the 1970s and 1980s, teaching and mentoring many students.

Richard also gave his time to public service. He served as Chairman of the Haverhill Board of Appeals in the 1980s and 1990s and was known for being fair and dedicated to his community.

Richard moved to Gloucester and made a life with Josephine and her extended Sicilian family. They met while out dancing and found instant chemistry with each other. Josephine says she was almost hypnotized by his beautiful blue eyes. Not long after they met, Richard moved to Gloucester, and with Josephine, would host holiday dinners and many family gatherings.

Richard was a "Medigani," but he fit right in with his adopted Sicilian family – especially with his mother-in-law Antoinette, with whom he shared a special bond.

Gramps served as role model, mentor, friend and chauffeur to three grateful grandchildren (and in-laws) on Josephine's side. He'd drive all three to various practices, meets, and recitals, and until very recently, could be seen on the sidelines with Josephine at youth baseball or football games, sitting under the awning of his lawn chair and cheering on his grandson.

Gramps could be stern if required and was sometimes as stubborn as a mule, but he really was a big softie underneath it all – he never lost that mischievous twinkle in his eye and his ability to relate to the kids on their level. All of us will miss him dearly.

Richard is survived by his children: Mark Royer and his wife Joyce of Billerica; Eric Royer and his wife Meredith of Boston; Darren Royer of Lawrence and his life-long partner Becky Bolduc; Janet Conway and her husband Christopher of Clermont, FL; and Kevin Royer of Haverhill and seven grandchildren.

He is also survived by his longtime companion, Josephine Anderson and her children Eric Anderson and his wife, Rosalie; Leslie Anderson and her husband, Will Higgins; and grandchildren Rizza Anderson, and Talia and Jack Higgins.

He was predeceased by his former wife and mother of his children, Carole E. Royer; and his brothers, Norman, Arthur, Donald, and Frederick, and sister, Phyllis.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10-11a.m. at St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11a.m. and burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com