Richard J. Travers

Richard J. Travers, 83, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024 with his loving family at his side. He was the devoted husband of Mary Lou (Cavallaro) Travers for 61 years before his passing. Born in Providence, RI and raised in Bristol, he was the son of the late Manuel and Mary (Biancuzzo) Travers. Richard was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School in 1958 and later from Springfield College in 1963. He also served as director of the Bristol Recreation Department for 13 years. Richard was one of the founding members of the Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978. He served as a member of the group and was inducted in 1994. A member of the Portsmouth School Department for 34 years, Richard retired in 1996 after serving as a teacher, athletic director, and director of physical education and health. He was also a beloved football coach at Portsmouth High School and inducted into Portsmouth High Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. Richard had a genuine heart. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a brother, brother-in law, uncle, and friend you could always count on. Richard was that funny guy many people, young and old, loved to have around. His legacy is one filled with generosity, integrity, humor, and compassion. For countless young people, Richard; the teacher, coach, and director was a mentor and an influential figure. He sincerely enjoyed working with kids of all ages and had a special way of making them feel valued and respected. Consequently, Richard received so much love and respect in return. Mr. Travers was my role model, is still heard today. Richard was a true friend to many, always up for a good game of cards, bocce, and golf or just coffee and a muffin at Mt. Hope Diner. A baseball and football player in his prime, Richard loved to watch the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots and could always be heard, sometimes loudly, giving his opinion about a play or two! He had a way of bringing people together and looked forward to events big and small. Richard created and organized the annual Bushwacker Golf Tournament, which had countless friends, family, and fellow Bristolians eager to take part! Healthy competition was fun for Richard, and he liked to interject some funny, old-fashioned ribbing! Richards family loves and cherishes him. He was his wife, Mary Lous soul mate of more than 61 years. He is his son Richards idol and his daughter Lisas hero. To his grandchildren, Danielle, Noah, and Nico, he was the most loving and present grandfather one could hope for. He was a shoulder to lean on, the ultimate cheerleader, and a giver of unconditional love. You knew Richard loved you because he showed his love in so many ways. He wanted nothing more than to spend time with his family. Richard believed that the best things in life are not things. Instead, it was celebrating Thanksgiving (his favorite holiday). It was watching his grandsons play baseball. It was laughing with his granddaughter during their many special talks about life while they enjoyed pancakes at IHOP. It was meticulously taking care of his home, yard, and cars. If you wanted your car cleaned rightyou went to see Papa! It was vacationing with family and friends at a place he called paradiseSiesta Key. It was solving his daily crossword puzzle while sipping his morning coffee. It was watching his favorite Western movies and taking drives through Colt State Park while listening to Frank Sinatra. Richards life was full of so many special moments and there are not enough words or photos that can tell his whole story or capture the essence of such a great man. His memory will forever live in our hearts for death leaves a heartache nothing can heal but love leaves a memory no one can steal. In addition to his wife Mary Lou, Richard is also survived by his children: Richard J. Travers, Jr. (Jennifer) and Lisa M. Travers Dunbar; his grandchildren: Noah R. Travers, Nico W. Travers, and Danielle A. Dunbar; his brother: Joseph Travers (Marie); his sisters-in-law: Anna Paiva (Frank) and Gilda DeLeo (Matt); and many extended family and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Linda Pelland. Visiting Hours will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4-7 PM. His funeral service will start from Sansone Funeral Home on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 9:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. He will be laid to rest at North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Services Visitation Friday October 18, 2024 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sansone Funeral Home 192 Wood Street Bristol, RI 02809 Funeral services from Saturday October 19, 2024 9:00 AM Sansone Funeral Home 192 Wood Street Bristol, RI 02809 Mass of Christian Burial Saturday October 19, 2024 10:00 AM Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 141 State St. Bristol, RI 02809 Cemetery North Burial Ground 1081 Hope Street Bristol, RI