Obituary of Richard Gordon Teas

Richard Gordon Teas, a retired Lieutenant in the Cambridge Fire Department and a proud U.S. Navy submariner, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 27, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Richard was born in Boston, the son of Cecil and Mary Teas. He was raised and educated in Brighton and graduated from Brighton High School.  At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War as a radioman aboard the USS Sea Leopard, a Tench-class diesel-electric submarine commissioned at the end of World War II. As a crew member, Richard sailed the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

He developed an unbreakable bond with his fellow submariners. Life aboard a submarine—marked by tight quarters, shared bunks, limited communication, and long periods without daylight—was not for the faint of heart. It demanded discipline, resilience, and absolute trust in one’s crewmates and captain. After his military service, Richard remained deeply connected to the submariner community through the organization United States Submarine Veterans, participating in monthly meetings, ceremonial events, parades, and memorials honoring fallen comrades. He proudly wore his USS Sea Leopard hat wherever he went. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Upon returning home in 1956, Richard met Lena Mary Landry. The couple were married in 1958. He was proud to join the Cambridge Fire Department, serving at Ladder 3 and Engine Company 1 before retiring as a Lieutenant at Cambridge Fire Headquarters. Just like in the Navy, he formed close bonds with his fellow firefighters—people he trusted, supported, and considered lifelong friends. He was the kind of man who would come in early to relived the night group with young families on Christmas and Easter.  He loved his career and was respected by all who worked alongside him.

In 1967, Richard and Lena moved to Burlington, where they became active members of St. Malachy’s Church. From attending daily Mass to serving as an usher and helping with ham and bean suppers, they were dedicated to their faith community. For over 25 years, they spent winters at the Tahitian Gardens Resort in Holiday, Florida, surrounded by family, friends from Massachusetts, and fellow snowbirds.

Richard enjoyed golf—not so much for the competition but for the camaraderie. He also loved fishing, skiing, playing softball, and taking morning walks, often stopping by the homes of family and friends for a chat and a coffee. As a father, he was devoted to teaching his daughters the values and tools needed to become successful adults and loving parents. The family made yearly trips to Nova Scotia to visit relatives in South Branch and Pomquet, creating cherished memories that will live on.

Living to 90 was a gift that allowed Richard to form strong, lasting relationships with his grandchildren and to welcome another generation with the births of his great-grandchildren. He remained close with his siblings and in-laws, sharing holidays and family gatherings filled with love and laughter. He was also a fun-loving uncle who enjoyed joking around with his many nieces and nephews.

Richard was blessed with a long life filled with purpose—marked by service to his country and community, deep faith, and devotion to family. He was a humble man, full of love, who will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Richard was the beloved husband of the late Lena Mary (Landry) Teas.  He was the loving father of Joan Leavitt & her husband Scott of Billerica and Pauline Teas & her husband Kevin Capalbo of Harwich.  He was the proud “Grampy” of Christopher Leavitt & his wife Amanda, Courtney Leavitt & her spouse Bethany Arnold, Stephanie Smith & her husband Stephen, Lauren Davitt & her husband Patrick, and Richard Enterkin.  He was the great grandfather of Brayden Leavitt, Isabelle Smith, and Colton Davitt.  He was the brother of Helen McKinnon of Burlington & her late husband Joseph Edward MacKinnon,  Gerald Teas & his wife Nancy of Tewksbury, Edgar Teas of SC & his late wife Trudy, and the late Ronald Teas.  He is survived by a sister-in-law Josephine Quimby of Concord, NH.  He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Thursday, May 1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  Followed by Mass Funeral Mass at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish at Noon.  Military honors will follow the mass.  Memorials in Richard’s name may be made to St. Veronica Parish, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA 01803. 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net