Richard Houldsworth Gaskell, 73, Tiverton

Richard Houldsworth Gaskell, 73, passed away on December 28, 2017. He was the loving husband of Nancy C. (Skrzypiec) Hallman. They were married over 16 years. He was predeceased by his first wife Marcia (Gerlach) Gaskell to whom he had been married for almost 30 years. Born in Providence on May 25,1944, he was a son of the late James and Dorothy (Moore) Gaskell.

Dick grew up in Providence and attended schools there. He graduated from Rhode Island College and eventually went on to Boston University where he earned his Master of Social Work degree. He retired from the State of RI after 31 years. He began his state service as a social caseworker for the Child Welfare Department, later becoming Asst. Administrator of Juvenile Probation for the DCYF. He finished his career with the state as an Asst. Administrator of Adult Probation and Parole with the Department of Corrections.

Following his retirement from the state, Dick became a consultant for and later an employee of the Counseling and Psychology Center of Needham, Mass. He also taught part-time at Rhode Island College for a few semesters. Dick was a veteran of the US Army, serving from June, 1967, to May, 1969, stationed in Germany.

 Dick was an avid reader and book collector. He enthusiastically shared his vast book collection with family and friends and enjoyed introducing them to many of his favorite authors. He was also fond of introducing others to his favorite red wines, especially Oregonian pinot noirs. Dick found pleasure listening to music, particularly jazz and had a guilty pleasure in viewing mindless action movies. He will be remembered for his gift of joke telling, some told in various accents. Dick and Nancy were able to travel after both retired. Their favorite vacation spot was the Caribbean island of Anguilla where Nancy could swim and Dick could read for hours.

Dick is survived by his two sons, Todd J. Gaskell, (wife Sarah) of Plainville, Mass., and Scott A. Gaskell of Pawtucket. He was the stepfather of Jonathan A. Hallman (wife Tracey) of Raynham, Mass., and Justin M. Hallman (wife Christina) of Tiverton. He was the proud grandfather of Amelia Gaskell and Andrew, Simon, Meghan, Gwyneth and Jillian Hallman. He is survived by his brother, John Gaskell (wife Jackie) of North Providence. His sister, Linda Graham, predeceased him.

Visitation Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home, 462 Main Rd, Tiverton. Burial will be private.  www.almeida-pocasset.com for on line guest book. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hudner Oncology Center St. Anne’s Hospital 795 Middle St. Fall River, MA 02721 or Dana Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA 02215