Richard ‘Dick’ Joseph Barbeau

HAVERHILL - Richard ‘Dick’ Joseph Barbeau, 75, passed away on December 9, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting impact on all who knew him. Beloved partner, father, family member, teacher, coach, cheerleader, and friend, Dick’s robust and sometimes questionable sense of humor was a lifeline, a ray of sunlight in a dark moment, and a constant in a world of change. His legacy is with each of us. We feel it when we look to our phones for one last check-in or his daily cartoon or that funny note or to tell him that amusing thing we heard, and we chuckle to ourselves and hold the memory that resurfaces. His legacy is with us when we see all the people he brought together. Indeed, forgetting Dick Barbeau is an impossibility. 

Dick was born on January 10, 1949, in Salem, MA, to George and Alice Barbeau. He grew up on Memorial Drive with his older brother George, where he became known for his athleticism and love of sports. He was a standout pitcher in Pony League baseball, dubbed “The Lanky Hurler” by a local sports reporter.  Dick was a three-sport star at Salem High School and, later, the captain of both his high school baseball and football teams. His athletic accomplishments were celebrated when he was inducted into the Salem High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. Dick’s classmates selected him to receive the brotherhood award (Classmates Today Neighbors Tomorrow) in both his junior and senior years. Dick’s classmates also voted most popular in his senior year.

Following his graduation in 1967, Dick attended Wake Forest University on an athletic scholarship and later completed his education at Salem State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He began teaching English at Essex Agricultural School in 1973 and dedicated 34 years to educating, mentoring, and inspiring students before retiring in 2007 as the school’s principal. 

Dick’s relationships with his students were a cornerstone of his career. He was known for his unwavering support, often as a mentor and confidant to many. Even after retiring, Dick kept in close touch with his former students, celebrating their successes and offering advice when needed. His ability to connect with people, see potential in them, and offer a word of encouragement made him a beloved figure in the community.

In 1971, Dick married his high school friend and love of his life, Nancy Fanning. Together, they raised two sons, Alex and Aaron. Dick’s relationship with Nancy was one of deep love and laughter; even when Nancy was “calling” Dick out for something he had said, she was giggling the entire time. Dick embraced Nancy’s seven siblings and their partners, developing close bonds with their children and grandchildren, making him the central source of all news—the family’s Dear Abby. When Nancy was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia, Dick became her constant caregiver. He did everything he could to reclaim the time, laughter and memories it tried to steal from them and he and their sons devotedly cared for her until her passing in 2020. His dedication to Nancy and their family was unwavering. 

Lifelong athlete, Dick enjoyed his monthly breakfasts with his “Witches Gang,” a group of former athletes from Salem High who gathered regularly to catch up and share memories. He also cherished walks with his beloved dog, Sparky, and the camaraderie of his neighborhood friends, especially the “Walking Wives.”

Dick’s health had been a constant challenge in recent years due to spinal degeneration. Yet, he remained hopeful and optimistic, even as he underwent complex spinal surgery in December hoping for relief from his pain. Sadly, it was not to be, but his family is forever grateful for the care and support he received from his medical team. 

In Dick's own words, “Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened.” Indeed, Dick’s life was full of moments that will bring smiles for years to come. His family and friends will continue to treasure the memories he gave them, and his spirit will live on in the laughter and love he shared with everyone he met. 

Dick is survived by his sons, Alex and Aaron, and the extended Barbeau and Fanning families, who were fortunate to have known him and loved him. 

Dick Barbeau will be missed and his legacy of love, humor and kindness will never be forgotten.

Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Words of Remembrance beginning at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support Dick’s sons, who provided selfless care for both Nancy and Dick during their final years at home at www.giveahand.com/fundraiser/dick-barbeau-legacy. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

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