Richard J. Mercier

Date of Passing:

December 28, 2021

It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard J. Mercier announces his unexpected passing into eternal life on December 28, 2021 at the age of 68.

Born in Providence on February 25, 1953, he was the son of the late A. Donald and Virginia (Lovett) Mercier. Richard was a 1971 graduate of Smithfield High School. He spent over a decade as the owner of “Richard’s Shell” in East Providence. The self-proclaimed “greatest paperboy” worked for several publications over the last thirty years, including The Pawtucket Times, Newport Daily News, Providence Business News, Auto Mart Magazine, and Dominion Distribution.

Richard leaves behind his beloved wife Michaela Clancy Mercier, to whom he was married for 43 years, and their children Justin R. Mercier and his wife Marah of Seekonk, MA; Neil F. Mercier and his wife Erica of Seekonk, MA; Timothy J. Mercier & Michael D. Mercier, both of Riverside.

He was also the loving Grandpa/Papa to four granddaughters: Aly, Hannah, Elizabeth & Emily Mercier. Additionally, he leaves his affectionate “Clancy-in-law” clan of 11 brothers- and sisters-in-law, 13 nieces and nephews, and 13 great nieces and nephews whom he welcomed anytime to his house for family gatherings and summer swims.

Richard was a resident of East Providence for over forty years and gave back in many roles, including President of the Carousel Commission, Scout Master, East Providence Umpires Association, Riverside Ward 4 Democratic Committee, and various coaching roles for his children.

He loved all New England sports teams, none more than the Boston Red Sox, and, like so many other fans, the 2004 World Series held a special spot in his heart. Known for the gift of gab, “Rich from Riverside” truly had a passion for talking with family, friends, and colleagues on many subjects, his favorite of which was singing the praises of his granddaughters.

His Funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 9:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, in Richard’s memory, have a conversation with someone you’ve lost touch with to let them know you care.

Online Condolences

39 Comments

  1. Sorry I didn’t know. You are missed. Learned alot at the station.

  2. I just learned about Richard’s unfortunate passing today. I talked with him last in September. I’m very sorry to all of his family. I worked with Richard on various publications over the past twenty plus years and was in touch with him from time to time in recent years. He was a lovely man! So, sorry to hear this news.

  3. Dear Michaela and family,
    You married a kind, thoughtful man. I’ve known Richard since second grade at St Philip’s school and found him to be a loyal friend and classmate who was quick to welcome anyone new. I remember when he brought you to meet me and my parents! You made all the difference in his life, gave him a beautiful family and a full, rich and rewarding life. You became the keel on his boat.

    Please accept our condolences and prayers for you and your family. Know that Richard will always be thought of and remembered as a kind, wonderful man.

  4. Michaela,
    I just heard of your loss and my heart goes out to you and your boys. I know what you are going through and I know God will see you through it all; He will provide for you, ease your pain and show you His love and grace. Life, although never the same, will become a new normal. May memories of your years together bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

  5. My Deepest Condolences to the family of Richard Mercier. I had the pleasure of working with Richard along with my brother Greg at Buck Hill Scout Reservation in the summer of 1973. He was a pleasure to be around and will be remembered.
    God Bless

  6. Rest In Peace my friend of 50 years; so many good memories of our St Philip days and beyond. Heaven got a good one!
    Condolences and prayers to your family.
    Rosemary (Rook)Welsh

  7. Michaela and family,
    Sending prayers and heartfelt thoughts to you,Richard is leaving a big hole because he is loved and caring and will be so missed by those who were lucky enough to have had him in their lives! Memories will live on and he won’t be forgotten.Your loving family will be there to share your love as Richard goes to his Lord and Savior. Please call on me if there be a need.

  8. Neil, our condolences and sympathies are offered to you on your loss. We trust you will begin to heal with the memories of love and fun you enjoyed while you had your dad.
    Please know you have been in our thoughts right along, and we have confidence in your resilience.

    With love,

    Jan and Joe Lamagna

  9. Dear Michaela,Justin,TJ,Neil and Mike along with all your families and extended Clancy Clan,
    Sending all our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
    Wish we could be there to show our Love and support in person.
    Love to All ,
    Cindy & Tim Rodgers
    Clancy

  10. Dear Michaela and Family,
    I am so sorry for your pain in the loss of your dear husband and dad. I know that anyone who knew Richard will miss this special man. Please be assured of my thoughts and prayers as you face this difficult time.
    Sincerely,
    Mary Lou (Powers) Wayland

  11. Michaela So Sorry to hear of the loss of Richard.

  12. So sorry for your loss was always nice talking to him when I would visit my mom always had time for a talk will miss our conversation my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  13. I was privileged to have Richard in my class for both 7th and 8th grades at St. Philip’s School. The wonderful tributes here are a testament to his kindness, generosity and unfailing good nature which were evident even as a student in the 60’s. Grounded in Faith and charity, he was always reliable in his dealings with others and gave of his time and boundless energy to both Church and School. He was a true Christian in the deepest sense of the word.

  14. Michaela and family, I am so sorry to hear of Richards passing. My prayers are with you all.

  15. Richard, you were one of a kind, loved by so many and brought laughter and fun to everyone. He had an immediate rapport which was brought on by his great, genuine smile. He’ll never be forgotten.

  16. Michaela and family,
    We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father, Richard. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May he rest in peace.
    Don and Maggie Powers

  17. Our condolences to all of the Mercier family. We are so sorry for your loss. Richard certainly was a very sociable person, who always had interesting topics to talk about. You could always tell how he loved life.
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all ❤️
    Love, Ted & Wendy Polak

  18. Michaela,Justin,Neil,TJ,Mike,and all extended family,
    Charles and I send our deep condolences! Richard was truly a icon with in your family.We will always remember his smile and playful nature! I’m sure he made Aunt Betty proud of his devotion to his family! He set a fine example to his boys!
    God Bless you all!
    love Annmarie & Charles

  19. Michaela, we were so sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. We always enjoyed our conversations with him. He was a kind and thoughtful man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May Richard rest in peace with Our Lord.
    Mark and Betsy Hubbard

  20. Michaela and family,
    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace.

  21. So sad to see this. Richard impacted many hearts in his time at Shamrock Home Loans and never failed to stay in touch with us. His gracious, gentle soul was an inspiration. He will be missed. May the Lord comfort the Mercier family as you move through this time of grief.

  22. So sorry to hear of Richard’s unexpected passing. Sincerest condolences to the family. Richard was always a pleasure to talk to. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Brenda Furtado and Family

  23. Justin and family, so sorry to hear this news. Your dad was one of the first people I called a friend when I first moved to RI 33 years ago…when he ran that Shell station. We had great conversations over sports, over life. I cherish those memories and those times. Peace to your family.

  24. Praying for the Mercier & Clancy families at this time.
    Michaela & family, I am so sorry for your loss! ?

    Mike McDonald

  25. Michaela,
    We are truly sorry for the loss of Richard. We are thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace.

    With deepest sympathy and love,
    Michael and Judy Clancy

  26. My deepest sympathy to the Mercier family. Such a kind soul, so honored to have many special baseball memories to smile and remember. My love to you all.

  27. My sincere condolences to all of your wonderful family. I spent some with Richard at the wedding of Marah and Justin. I enjoyed him very much. May he Rest In Peace.

  28. So sorry for your loss. He was much too young but is at rest with our Lord.
    Our heartfelt sympathy.

  29. Michaela and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Richard’s sudden passing. We went to school together since the second grade. He was such a nice person and a friend to all.

  30. Michaela, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.

  31. Rich always told us “The door at 65, will always be open”. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. Sending love to the Mercier, Clancy and Dutchmaster family.

  32. Rest in Peace Richard. Know that you’ll be reme4berede lovingly and fondly by so many that you have touched.

  33. Michaela, I am sad and so sorry to hear about Rich. He was one of my closest friends in high school and after. So many good times and laughs – always laughs. There are more “Richard stories” than anyone else in our group. He was one of a kind. I am so sorry that you’ve lost him.

  34. So very sorry for your sudden loss Michaela. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

  35. Michaela, so very sad to hear of Richards passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .

  36. So very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. What a great guy he was. He did have his challenges & was blessed to conquer them. My friend, may you join the Lord at his banquet table.

    Michaela, I send prayers for you and the family at this extra tough time.
    Love,
    Betty

  37. May you find Comfort when you reflect on all the Beautiful Memories you and your Family made over the years with Richie. He was a Kind, Giving, and Loved Individual. May he be at Peace in Heaven with His Maker until you meet again. God Bless

  38. Richard was a beautiful soul, full of love and faith, he has ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God, leaving loneliness and sadness to all the knew him. We give our condolences to the entire family. May God rest his soul.

    Love Foy Ann & Brad Plohr

  39. Our condolences to the Mercier family. Our prayers and support will be there for you at this difficult time. Richard was an awesome man. It has been a pleasure to know him. Brother, rest in the comfort and peace of Jesus Christ in Eternal Life.
    Peace and Love ,
    Allen & Linda Winter

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