Richard A. Jeffers

Richard Arlon Jeffers, beloved teacher, husband, father, and friend passed away on May 17, 2022.

Dick was born on August 25, 1936, the son of Jesse and Evelyn (Gustavsen) Jeffers. He was raised in Swampscott MA and served honorably with the National Guard for 6 years.
In 1961, after graduating from Bates College with a degree in History, Dick married Beverly Dilts. Together they moved to Groton MA where he joined the faculty of Lawrence Academy.

Dick ‘Mornin’ Jeffers immediately knew that he had found his true calling. From 1961-2009 Dick served as history teacher, coach of football, baseball and hockey, dorm parent, Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, and college counselor; holding many of these positions simultaneously. He had a passion and curiosity for all things historical that fed his seemingly inexhaustible memory of trivia in all genres. His jovial nature, witty banter and genuine interest in his students well being has made him a friend and confidant to many of them over the years. So many of his students have called to say that he truly changed their lives for the better.

Dick retired in 2009 and continued to volunteer his time working on the historical archives which he was instrumental in collecting and preserving and that now make up the Richard A. Jeffers Heritage Center at Lawrence Academy.

Dick is held in loving remembrance by his wife of 61 years, Bev, his daughters and sons-in-law, Kris and Bill Lawler, Jen and Tom Delaney, his granddaughters, Nina and Danielle, his sister Shirley as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Dick had an amazing sense of humor and a hearty laugh! His wit was razor sharp and he was known for switching sides in a debate in hopes of helping you see a new perspective. His family will miss his thoughtful advice, entertaining riddles, and long conversations while he sipped his single malt scotch. Being very competitive, he enjoyed challenging his children and grandchildren in infinite card and board games. His creative cooking concoctions (gumdrop ice cream and garbage soup) and adventurous yet occasionally terrifying car rides will be remembered with a chuckle. And … he could always be counted on to have an answer to EVERYTHING - As well as the last word!

A celebration of life will take place at Lawrence Academy under the tent in the quad on June 12, 2022, at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Lawrence Academy for The Richard A Jeffers Heritage Center Endowment Fund which is being established by the class of 72’ in honor of their 50th reunion.