Richard Francis McBride

Richard F. McBride of Watertown and Duxbury, MA and Marco Island, Florida died on January 27, 2019. He was 90 years of age. Dick was a stand-out quarterback and All-American punter for Boston College in the early 1950’s and also a member of the Watertown Athletic Hall of Fame. His childhood hometown of Watertown and his friends there remained a touchstone throughout his life. He joined the Navy in 1953 and was stationed for several years in London as Lt JG, courier and communications officer in Grosvenor Square. It was there that he married Sarah (Sally) Bidwell of Simsbury, Connecticut, his wife of 64 years.

Upon return to the States, Dick began a successful real estate and insurance career with his sister Janet, developing numerous properties in the Watertown area. While he never formally retired, his later years were spent playing golf on Marco Island, FL and summering in Duxbury, MA with his extended family. He was very proud of his golf game, consistently shooting his age throughout his 80’s. Golf was his passion in later life and he forged numerous close relationships on the links.

Dick was the devoted husband of Sarah (Sally) Bidwell, and loving father of Robin Murphy and her husband James; son Timothy; and son Andrew McBride and his spouse Laurie Boucher. As a loving grandfather to Sarah Murphy-Holroyd, husband Simon, Antonimar Murphy and Hannah Murphy, “the Skipper” will be greatly missed. In addition, Dick is survived by his sister Janet McBride; sisters-in-law Charlotte Bacon and Jane Thompson; as well as nephews John and Robert McBride and nieces Jane and Ann McBride and Pauli Sieben. Dick was predeceased by brothers Jack McBride, Hugh Robert McBride and sister, Phyllis McBride.

Public viewing will be on Friday, February 1st from 9:00-10:00 am at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 at San Marco Catholic Church. There will be a celebration of Dick’s life in Boston in the spring, prior to his interment at Mount Auburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Watertown Boys and Girls Club would be appreciated (www.watertownbcg.org).

Dick lived by the Jesuit principle, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, ”To the Greater Glory of God”. He will be remembered by family and friends as generous and kind – always willing to lend a hand –and touching the lives of many. Dick leaves a close and devoted family. He will be missed to the depths of our souls.

Fair winds and following seas, Skipper.