Richard Keirstead

Richard Paul Keirstead of Westerly, RI, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the age of 85. He was the husband of the late Lorraine (Graves) Keirstead. Born in Worcester, MA, he was a son of the late James and Elizabeth Keirstead. After high school, he proudly served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University. Richard worked as a Quality Engineer for Draper Corporation in Hopedale, MA and then Harris Corporation in Pawcatuck, CT for many years. Richard raised his family in Whitinsville, MA and Westerly, RI. He was a third degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and actively donated time to the Cub Scouts and Little League Baseball. He also volunteered at the Westerly Senior Center and was a devoted communicant of St. Pius X Church. He leaves behind his son, Michael Keirstead of Westerly; three daughters, Deborah Kneis and husband Walter of Randolph, NJ, Sandra Keirstead of Medway, MA, and Lisa Way and husband David of Derry, NH. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Druskis of Worcester, MA; eight grandchildren, Erik, Sarah, Heidi, Cailey, Emily, Dana, Nicholas and Hannah; as well as two great grandchildren, Karter May and Jackson Foster and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother James Keirstead. A visiting hour will be held at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly on Tuesday from 9-10 AM immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm Street, Westerly. Burial with Full Military Honors will be conducted at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com