Dr. Richard S. "Doc" Tacelli, O.D. of Winthrop passed away at home on August 23, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old.  He was married to Patricia Bruen and was the son of Eugenia (Audano) and Frank Tacelli.  He was the father of Richelle and Arthur Flavin of Winthrop, Martine and Tony Amundson of Brewster, Christopher and Sandra Tacelli of Santa Barbara, California, Georgeane and Michael Coleman of Winthrop, and Patrick "Rick" and Kimberly Christine Tacelli of Needham.  Papa to Alyssa, Richard, Alexis, Ariana, Vanessa, Siena, Aidan, Ethan, Roman, and Marco and great-grandfather to Leo and Isaac.  He adored his many friends and they him; he especially loved to get together for coffee with "Arkie and the guys." 

Born in Winthrop, he spent his younger years in East Boston and Somerville, graduating from Somerville High School in 1948.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.  With a passion for science and education, he earned a doctorate degree in optometry from the New England College of Optometry and a Master of Administration and Supervision from Boston College. He was a popular biology teacher at Winthrop High School for many years where he shared a deep-rooted knowledge and passion for science and the natural world with his students.  He was President of the Winthrop’s Teacher Association and was awarded fellowships from the National Science Foundation to to the University of Rhode Island, Bowdoin College and Boston College.  While teaching, he also served the community through his practice as an optometrist.  With a keen interest and commitment to Winthrop, Doc dedicated much of his time to various roles in the community, including Water Commissioner, Board of Health Director, and President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Town Meeting, the Rotary Club,  the Winthrop Auxiliary Police Department, the Winthrop Yacht Club,the Kiwanis and the Knights of Columbus.

In his free time, Doc enjoyed traveling, fishing with friends, camping and spending time at the family cabin in Gilmanton Ironworks, NH.  He and his wife enjoyed winter escapes to Boynton Beach, FL. 

Visitation at E. P. Caggiano and Son-O'Maley Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Wednesday, August 27th 4 - 8 PM.  A celebration of Doc's life will be held at the Winthrop Yacht Club, 649 Shirley St., Winthrop on Thursday, August 28th from 1 - 4 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to:

 

Make checks payable to Fidelity Charitable 

Write  Acct 1069999  Richard Tacelli Fund in the “for” section of the check

 

Mail to:

 

Fidelity Charitable 

P.O Box 770001

Cincinnati, OH 45277-0053

 

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