Richard J.B. Lawton
July 14th 1957 - June 1st 2026
Richard J.B. Lawton Sr., 68, passed away on June 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, adventure, friendship, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Born on July 14, 1957, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Richard's journey began with humble roots and a determination that would define his life. He graduated from Keefe Technical School in Framingham, where he studied carpentry and developed the skills that would serve him throughout his career. A talented builder and leader, Richard worked as a construction foreman on numerous projects and later fulfilled his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating B&D Construction.
Throughout his professional life, Richard wore many hats. He served his country as a police officer in the United States Army. Later, working for both The Boston Globe and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette as a Single Copy Sales Manager, building lasting relationships and earning the respect of colleagues across New England. Yet perhaps one of his most beloved ventures was opening Rick's Place Comics & Collectibles, a cherished gathering place in Hopkinton. More than just a store, Rick's Place became a community hub where children and adults alike came together to enjoy comics, collectibles, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Pogs, and countless friendships. Richard created a place where everyone felt welcome, and the memories made there continue to live on in the hearts of many.
Richard embraced life with enthusiasm and imagination. He was a lifelong fan of The Lord of the Rings and spent more than forty years playing and serving as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons & Dragons, creating adventures and memories for generations of players. He was an avid gamer whose favorite game, Fallout, accumulated more than 7,000 hours of gameplay as he explored its post-apocalyptic world.
A passionate collector, Richard amassed impressive collections of coins, comic books, Magic cards, and swords. He was also a proud member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), where his love of history, medieval culture, and fellowship flourished.
Beyond his hobbies, Richard found peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, woodcraft, and sharing his knowledge of nature with family and friends. Whether around a campfire, at a gaming table, or working with his hands, Richard had a gift for bringing people together.
Richard was predeceased by his father, John P. Lawton, and his mother, Georgia (McCallister) Lawton, both of New York, as well as his brother, John Lawton of Bellingham.
He is survived by his loving wife Ida (Lalli) Lawton of 46 years and siblings, Jennine Lawton and David Lawton; his sister-in-law, Christine Lawton of Bellingham (wife of John Lawton); his nephew, Dan Lawton and his wife Brittany of Uxbridge; and his niece, Lisa Fritts and her husband Adam of Franklin.
Most importantly, Richard leaves behind his beloved children: Richard Lawton Jr., Andrew Lawton and his wife Raysha Lawton, Amanda Santos and her husband Victor, and Nathaniel Lawton. He was a proud grandfather to Daniel, Abigail (princess), and Lucciana (peanut) Lawton, and Carmela Lawton, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. His proudest and happiest moments came from his children and grandchildren.
Richard also leaves behind many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his generosity, humor, wisdom, and friendship.
Though he is no longer with us, Richard's stories, laughter, craftsmanship, adventures, and love will continue to live on in all who knew him. His was a life well-lived—a life dedicated to building not only homes and businesses, but communities, friendships, and family bonds that will endure for generations.
May his memory be a blessing, and may his next great adventure be as epic as the countless journeys he inspired here on Earth.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Richard's life by gathering for a time of visitation in the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. Framingham on Thursday, June 18th from 9-11AM. A prayer service will begin at 11 o'clock. Interment will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham.
Born on July 14, 1957, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Richard's journey began with humble roots and a determination that would define his life. He graduated from Keefe Technical School in Framingham, where he studied carpentry and developed the skills that would serve him throughout his career. A talented builder and leader, Richard worked as a construction foreman on numerous projects and later fulfilled his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating B&D Construction.
Throughout his professional life, Richard wore many hats. He served his country as a police officer in the United States Army. Later, working for both The Boston Globe and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette as a Single Copy Sales Manager, building lasting relationships and earning the respect of colleagues across New England. Yet perhaps one of his most beloved ventures was opening Rick's Place Comics & Collectibles, a cherished gathering place in Hopkinton. More than just a store, Rick's Place became a community hub where children and adults alike came together to enjoy comics, collectibles, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Pogs, and countless friendships. Richard created a place where everyone felt welcome, and the memories made there continue to live on in the hearts of many.
Richard embraced life with enthusiasm and imagination. He was a lifelong fan of The Lord of the Rings and spent more than forty years playing and serving as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons & Dragons, creating adventures and memories for generations of players. He was an avid gamer whose favorite game, Fallout, accumulated more than 7,000 hours of gameplay as he explored its post-apocalyptic world.
A passionate collector, Richard amassed impressive collections of coins, comic books, Magic cards, and swords. He was also a proud member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), where his love of history, medieval culture, and fellowship flourished.
Beyond his hobbies, Richard found peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, woodcraft, and sharing his knowledge of nature with family and friends. Whether around a campfire, at a gaming table, or working with his hands, Richard had a gift for bringing people together.
Richard was predeceased by his father, John P. Lawton, and his mother, Georgia (McCallister) Lawton, both of New York, as well as his brother, John Lawton of Bellingham.
He is survived by his loving wife Ida (Lalli) Lawton of 46 years and siblings, Jennine Lawton and David Lawton; his sister-in-law, Christine Lawton of Bellingham (wife of John Lawton); his nephew, Dan Lawton and his wife Brittany of Uxbridge; and his niece, Lisa Fritts and her husband Adam of Franklin.
Most importantly, Richard leaves behind his beloved children: Richard Lawton Jr., Andrew Lawton and his wife Raysha Lawton, Amanda Santos and her husband Victor, and Nathaniel Lawton. He was a proud grandfather to Daniel, Abigail (princess), and Lucciana (peanut) Lawton, and Carmela Lawton, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. His proudest and happiest moments came from his children and grandchildren.
Richard also leaves behind many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his generosity, humor, wisdom, and friendship.
Though he is no longer with us, Richard's stories, laughter, craftsmanship, adventures, and love will continue to live on in all who knew him. His was a life well-lived—a life dedicated to building not only homes and businesses, but communities, friendships, and family bonds that will endure for generations.
May his memory be a blessing, and may his next great adventure be as epic as the countless journeys he inspired here on Earth.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Richard's life by gathering for a time of visitation in the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. Framingham on Thursday, June 18th from 9-11AM. A prayer service will begin at 11 o'clock. Interment will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham.
Visitation: 06/18/2026 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Prayer Service: 06/18/2026 11:00 am
Interment: 06/18/2026 12:00 pm
