GRUDINSKAS

Richard I., age 78, of Walpole, passed away surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of his family on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Boston Medical Center in Boston. He was the beloved husband and lifelong sweetheart of Wendy (Hertle) Grudinskas of Walpole.

Born and raised in Norwood, Richard was one of four children born to the late Benjamin W. and Demetra J. (Ronis) Grudinskas. He graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1965.

Richard chose a life of service, joining the Needham Police Department, where he spent 43 years and retired as a Sergeant – proud of the badge, and prouder still of the work he accomplished wearing it. A devoted scholar, he held master's degrees in mathematics and in public administration, and at the age of 54, still serving, he graduated top in his class from the Massachusetts School of Law – earning a juris doctor degree around his shifts.

After retiring from the department, Richard continued to serve as a member of the security staff at North Hill, a continuing care retirement community in Needham, where he was well loved and trusted by all who lived and worked there.

Alongside his public service, Richard was a serial entrepreneur, owning several car galleries and taking on a variety of other ventures. He made certain every customer was treated fairly and with respect.

A gymnast in his youth, and later a racquetball player, Richard stayed physically active all his life. He kept bees, took up locksmithing, and loved music of every kind – ballads, musicals and worship especially. He hunted bargains at yard sales and was always among the first to take up a new gadget, technology or idea.

Richard was an avid storyteller, and all who knew him will remember the pleasure he took in a good one—well told, and gladly told again. He was a born-again Christian, and his faith was the foundation of the man he was: honorable, of great integrity, loyal, dutiful, and devoted above all else to his family.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his proud and cherished children: Amy Michienzi of Plainville, Amanda Grudinskas of Geneva, Switzerland, and Matthew Grudinskas of Walpole. He was the loving grandfather of Jonathan and Rebecca Michienzi of Plainville. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings, Catherine Swanson and her husband, Paul, of Norwood, and Benjamin Grudinskas and his wife, Linda, of Norwood. Richard is further survived by his former son-in-law, Joseph Michienzi of Mansfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in passing by his dear sister, Elizabeth Carpenter.

Visitation and funeral services provided by Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington Street, Norwood.

Richard’s Funeral Service was held at Waters Church, at 668 Walpole Street in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to Norwood Circle of Hope Foundation directly at: https://www.pledge.to/donateNorwoodCOH