Richard M. Burnell, 72, husband of Betty Jean (Delorm) Burnell of Haverhill passed away on March 10, 2026 at Lawrence General Hospital.
Richard was born in Haverhill on April 3, 1953 to Milton W. and Eleanor A. (Page) Burnell and was a graduate of Haverhill High School. He worked a color matcher at Vernon Plastics for many years, and then for the Haverhill Public Schools as a bus driver. Richard enjoyed camping trips up north, watching golf, Patriots games, and TV relaxing at home. He was a proud American, served in the US Navy, and traveled throughout the U.S. for many Amvets conventions. Richard was also a past Commander of Amvets Post 147, and past Commander of MA Amvets Saddist.
Richard was a devoted husband, father, brother and son. He is survived by his wife Betty Jean (Delorm) Burnell of Haverhill, his son Duane H. Barnard, his brothers Norman Burnell and his wife Donna, John Burnell and Paul Burnell, and his sisters Carol Sulesky, Marlene Rodier, and Frances MacLean as well as several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Monday, March 16th from 5PM until 8PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.
9 Comments
Betty, Dick was a guy who was always a pleasure to be around my prayers & thoughts are with you you
To Betty and Burnell Family so sorry for your loss Dick will sadly be missed GOD Bless RIP Dick the AMVETS Family
Uncle Dick my memory of you l will hold in my heart forever. RIP until we see you again. Tell mom and dad l said hello.
Laurie
Fair Seas and Following Winds Shipmate you will be missed 🇺🇸
Our sincere condolences go out to Betty and Dick’s family and friends. Dick was a Great AMVETS State Commander and for many years a dedicated SAD SACKS SADDEST. We remember when that picture was taken. May God Bless everyone’s friend , Dick.
Richard it was my pleasure to have known you. Since the late 80’s till recently I did enjoy seeing you at the AMVETS meeting and will miss not seeing you never more. GOD Bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
Betty , we are sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Dick was a fun loving man , who cared about his family as well as his AMVETS family . He surely will be missed but not forgotten. Our thoughts are with you at this time , Crissie & Jim 🙏💜
To Betty I am sorry to hear of …. Dick’s passing I remember the good times we had with AMVET / Sad Sack / Color Guard activities thru the years …. R I P
Sending our sincere condolences to Betty and the family from the DAV Chapter 20. We are very grateful for Dick’s integrity, commitment, and selfless service throughout the Veteran community. We are so sorry for your loss and, we wish you peace and comfort.
Add Comment