Richard Gaskins

Richard Harris Gaskins (Richie), 52, died April 7, 2022, at his home in Somerville, MA. He was born December 26, 1969, in Somerville, MA to Robert J. and Loretta M. Gaskins (Tucker). Richard spent summers at his mother's cottage in Onset, MA where he enjoyed swimming at the beach and fishing at the pier in the Onset Bay. He graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School at the top of his class with a specialization in Culinary Arts. Richard then moved to Virginia where he was a longtime resident of the Hampton Roads region, living in Newport News and Williamsburg before moving back to Somerville, MA. Richard spent his career in the culinary and hospitality industry where he loved to meet people and always ensured everyone was welcomed. His laughter was infectious, and He always made sure that everyone around him was having a good time. He had a huge heart and always put others ahead of himself. His hobbies and interests included hanging out with family and friends, watching movies, listening to music, and following the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics. Anyone who knew Richie knew he was a huge sports fanatic. Richard is survived by his 3 daughters and their partners Breia Gaskins and Tia Ruffin, Cianna and Wilkens Anthony Merant Sr., and Anastasia Lindsay and Jerry Johnson; his grandchildren Jennavecia Foreman, Arianna Whitehead, Xavier Sampson, Wilkins Anthony Merant Jr., Ajani Merant, Houston Jones, and Kingston Jones; his mother Loretta Tucker; his uncles and aunts Dick Gaskins, Betty Gaskins, Dorothea Royster, Dale Ann Royster, Kathleen Durham, and Kennedy Ashley; his brother and his spouse Alton and Jamie Gaskins; his nephew and niece Aidan and Claudia Gaskins; his cousins Peter Gaskins, Robert Gaskins, Keesha Gaskins-Nathan, Malik Gaskins, Sonya Walker, Roberta Washington-Smith, Pamela Washington, Charlena Adams, Griffin Swanson, and Miguel Ashley. Richard was proceeded in death by his father Robert J. Gaskins, his uncle Fredrick Gaskins, and his Aunt Deborah Ashley.