Richard Beauchesne

Richard J. Beauchesne

Dr. Richard J. Beauchesne, 89, died on October 16, 2022, at his home in Duxbury, MA, with his partner, Roger, at his side. He was born in Lowell, MA on January 11, 1933, a son of the late Alcide and Maria (Poirier) Beauchesne.

Richard studied at the Catholic University of America, (Washington, DC), the University of Montreal, and Boston University where he received his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology with concentrations on Biblical Studies and Philosophy of Religion. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on the works of the French Dominican theologian, Yves Cardinal Congar, who reviewed Richard's dissertation and wrote its Preface in which the Cardinal wrote: "l know neither how to lie or hide my feelings.”

Richard taught at Emmanuel College, Boston for 27 years where, for three terms, he was elected president of the Faculty Senate and named chair of the Religious Studies Department, retiring in 1999 as Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies. He also taught at Rivier College, Northeastern University, Labouré College and the then Weston Jesuit School of Theology (Cambridge, MA). While affiliated with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Richard ministered throughout New England and the Province of Québec; at the Immaculata and St. Paul Retreat Houses (Willimantic, CT and Augusta, ME respectively), was Director of Programs at Ephpheta House (Cumberland, RI), and Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at the Oblate College and Oblate Houses of Formation (Natick, MA, Chestnut Hill, MA and Brighton MA). Richard was a past member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, the College Theology Society, and the Simone Weil Society. He published several articles in theological journals and gave many presentations at meetings of academic societies.

He is survived by his closest friend, Dr. Roger Tancrell; his brother René and life companion Christine Rutter of Oxnard, CA; nieces, Michelle Hopkins and husband Eric of Sierra Madre, CA, Jeannette Beauchesne of Dover, NH, Janine Parsons of Dover, NH, and Jacqueline Filion and husband Michael of Durham, NH; and nephews, JeanPaul Beauchesne, of Santa Barbara, CA, Robert Beauchesne, Jr. and wife Serena of Lee, NH, and Richard Beauchesne of Dover, NH; as well as grand nieces, Tayla and Emma, and grand nephews, Connor, Dylan, Scott, John, Riley, and Jack. Richard was predeceased by two brothers, the Rev. Normand, O.M.I., and Robert and his wife Dorothy; a sister, Jeannette; and a grandniece, Cameo.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 25, from 10 to 11 am at the TYNGSBOROUGH FUNERAL HOME, 4 Cassaway Drive, Tyngsborough, MA with a celebration of Richard’s life immediately following at 11 am. Burial will follow at St Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, at Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate USA, 323 Oblate Drive, P.O. Box 659432, San Antonio, TX 78216-6629 or to a charity of your choice.  

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