Richard Allen Gilman

Richard Allen Gilman of Weston, MA passed away on September 16, 2025 after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Dementia.

Richard was born on November 27, 1940, and grew up in Malden on Essex Street with his parents, Edward and Ruth, as well as his older sisters, Phyllis and Beverly. He loved to regale his children with fond stories from his youth. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, and eventually earned his Doctorate from Boston University.

Richard was a life-long educator. He spent most of his career teaching 8th grade English and serving as team leader at the Clarke Middle School in Lexington, MA. Earlier in his career, he worked for the Massachusetts Department of Education where he met Bob Watson, with whom he formed a close friendship that they both cherished.

However, Richard’s passion for educating spanned much farther than the walls of the classroom. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren new things every chance he could. Whether it was pushing them the find the etymology of a common expression at the dinner table, or quizzing them on their math facts, Richard created a sense of inquisitiveness and passion for knowledge within his family.

Richard fiercely loved his family, Judaism, the Red Sox, the Celtics, music, puns, and good books. In his later years, he adored walking up the street to visit his friends and the horses at Beechwood Stables. He also became an accomplished watercolor painter in retirement.

Richard had boundless love for his wife of 60 years, Barbara Brenner Gilman, whom he leaves behind. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Magerer, his children and their spouses, Joshua (Wendy) Gilman and Rebecca (Bob) Scott, and his three grandchildren whom he adored, Nate Scott and Courtney and Bryce Gilman. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Beverly Sidel, and his daughter Candice Brenner Gilman.

A service celebrating Richard’s life will be on Friday, September 19 at 11:00 am, at Congregation Or Atid in Wayland, MA. Burial will occur in Lindwood Memorial Park in Randolph, MA directly following the funeral. Shiva will be observed Friday after interment and Sunday from 2-4 pm at Richard’s former residence.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations are made in Richard’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY, 10163-4777 (on-line at Michaeljfox.org), to Congregation Or Atid, 97 Concord Road, Wayland, MA, 01778, or a charity of your choice.