Richard P. Burton passed away on September 11, 2023. As written by him:

Rick was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1953. Legend has it that his mother, Eileen Mary (Doudy) Burton, had a choice of delivery dates, since Rick came into the world via C. Section. She chose March 17th as it is THE famous Irish holiday. (At least in this country).

Rick was at various times in his life stubborn, angry, depressed, exceedingly happy and gullible, hard working, and indolent. He could be the proverbial “player”, of which he was ashamed later in life. He, however, was always loyal, creative, generally kind hearted, committed, generous, a person of conviction, aware of his faults and foibles.

He had many nicknames, all of which were bestowed; none of his own choosing. He enjoyed all but one. He was at different points in his life, Cardos, Burt (obvious), Burtie (or Birdie), Spot (because of a shirt he wore), Swilling (after an older Bridgeport, CT high school sports bar), and Tito. Among others. The one he despised because it was initially given as a knock on his father, Richard, was Dick. He said nothing though since to do so would prompt those who called him that to escalate the usage. He was okay with certain folks, men he considered friends, using it. As he progressed in life, he told certain people to cease using it as he tired of the lack of character of these people.

He ran, completed 10 Boston Marathons, his best time being 3:26:44 in 1979. He always said it was the Boston Marathon that made him first appreciate what a great city Boston is.

He was never a fan of any of their pro sports teams, especially not of the Red Sox. At times he would say, sometimes jokingly, sometimes not, that it wasn’t the Red Sox he despised, it was their fans. However, the Boston Marathon to Rick is, “the only marathon in the world that mattered.”

Other convictions: Yankees, 9/11, Marathon bombing, open minded discourse, coaching, music, reading (later in life).

Drinking alcohol; too much a part of his life. Said, “it ruined my life and continues to do so.”

A message from Cole, Brett, and Michaela; Rick's children:

Rick was many things to many people over the course of his life: a friend, a coach, a brother, an uncle, a son, a partner, a confidant. To us, he was Dad. He may not have been perfect, as none of us are, but he was the greatest father any of us could have ever asked for. We will cherish our countless memories with our loving father; sitting at Lucy's together, visiting the Cape every summer as children, our infamous holiday parties, and the many moments of lively conversation. His legacy lives on in all of us, and in everybody who knew and loved him.

Beloved longtime partner of Susan (Somers) Burton of Weymouth. Devoted father of Cole Burton and his wife Andrea of Halifax, Brett Burton, and Michaela Burton both of Weymouth. Loving brother of Meg Burton of Cotuit, and Joe Burton and his wife Carla of Milford, CT. Cherished uncle of Sean Henry and his wife Jess of Melrose, and Kevin Henry of Barnstable.

Please join us in grieving and celebrating him, a larger-than-life character, this weekend. Details below.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 16th at St. Brendan Church 593 Gallivan Blvd, DORCHESTER at 10:00 am. Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, Weymouth. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 15th at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Rick may be made to Fathers’ Uplift, 12 Southern Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124 ~ www.fathersuplift.org