Voke, Richard A., 76, of Ft. Lauderdale and Wolfeboro, formerly of Chelsea, passed away on December 31st surrounded by family.

He was the loving son of the late Alfred R. and late Marion (Ahearn) Voke. He is survived by his sisters Kathleen Manning (Thomas) of Mystic, CT, Patricia Blanaru of Peabody, Debra O'Sullivan (Mark) of Norfolk and Bettejean Voke of Revere. Cherished uncle of Kristy Manning (Francilis Domond), Laurin Derrick (Brad), Jennifer Lajoie (Seth), Amy Blanaru, Bridget Somogie (Nathan), and Kevin and Brian O'Sullivan. Devoted great uncle of Cecelia and Vivienne Domond, Griffin, Austin and Cameran Derrick and Paul and Patrick Somogie. He was the godfather and mentor to many.

Richard's family history of service was his inspiration. He was the grandson of Chelsea fire chief Charles Voke, the son of former Chelsea State Representative (1957-1963) Alfred R. Voke, who served concurrently as Chelsea Mayor (1960-1963), and grand nephew of former Chelsea Mayor and Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Edward J. Voke.

Growing up with this background, it was only natural for Richard to dedicate his education and life to public service and justice. He attended Chelsea High School, where he was Captain of the Debating Society. After graduating in 1966, he earned his undergraduate degree at Suffolk University and his law degree at Suffolk University Law School, where he was President of the student body.

While still a student at Suffolk, he first entered politics by running, albeit unsuccessfully, for alderman in Chelsea various times. His long and accomplished political career officially began when he was elected State Representative in 1976. The Chelsea and Charlestown communities went on to elect him 10 times to represent them in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. His constituency embraced him as an empathetic, warm, ethical, yet fearless and powerful leader motivated to steer them through some enormously challenging and consequential times. For example, he was instrumental in guiding Chelsea out of its very difficult time of receivership in the early 1990s. Throughout his terms as a public servant, he got things done, provided aide for the working poor and impoverished in his district and would often reach into his own pocket to help people in need.

One of Richard's signature programs was Healthy Start. This program provided prenatal care for low-income pregnant women not eligible for Medicaid.  There was a high rate of infant mortality among this population and the Healthy Start program helped to significantly reduce it.

A responsible fiscal leader, Richard led efforts to put the state's unfunded pension liability on a funding schedule. He also led the efforts to provide the first state-supported funding for AIDs research and prevention.

He was most proud of his advocacy on behalf of veterans and children. His efforts to support veterans helped save the Chelsea Soldiers Home from closing in the 80s when developers wanted to build condos on the property. His commitment to children's causes never wavered. He worked tirelessly to support the Boys and Girls Club of Chelsea and enlisted his large network of friends and colleagues to raise money to support and expand the Club's programs. He remained on their Board of Directors until his death.

During his two decades in the House, Richard (affectionately called Richie by his peers), served as Vice-Chair and Chair of highly visible, important committees, including Government Regulations, Steering and Policy, Judiciary, Insurance, Criminal Justice, and Health Care.  He was equally revered by his colleagues as he was by his constituents. He was named House Ways and Means Chairman at age 37 in 1985 and appointed House Majority Leader in 1991.

Over the years, Richard worked as a respected and prominent lawyer in the private law practice he maintained throughout his terms in office. When he decided not to run for re-election, Richard, a self-proclaimed workaholic, made the leap into becoming a hotelier, where he was able to combine his love of travel and hard work. He owned and operated multiple hotels in his beloved Ireland, where he immersed himself in the Irish culture that he loved so much.

Family and friends of Richard knew him as generous, thoughtful, kind, and loyal. He had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. Most importantly, Richard's greatest love and source of pride was his large family.  He was a devoted and loving son, brother and uncle. His most perfect day was being with his sisters and their children and they adored being with him.

Richard touched many lives and will be missed forever by his friends and family. He will be remembered as a proud native of Chelsea and a crusader to improve the lives of the residents of his beloved hometown. His incredible compassion guided him to help people in need everywhere. His legacy will forever be felt by everyone who benefits from his years of hard work as a public servant. His contributions are etched in history and his legacy is sure to inspire future generations to embrace the values of service and community involvement that defined his remarkable life.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:    Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Richard's visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., CHELSEA, on Saturday, January 6th from 8:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the Blessed Mother of the Morning Star Parish/Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., CHELSEA at 12:30 P.M.  Interment is PRIVATE.

DONATIONS:  In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to Gerald & Darlene Jordan Boys & Girls Club, 30 Willow St., Chelsea, MA 02150 and/or The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club of Boston at www.bgcb.org

We encourage family and friends to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.