By Adam Swift
The Winthrop Town Council held a moment of silence for two long-time residents and former selectmen who recently died at its meeting last week – Richard DiMento and Richard “Dick” Bangs.
“Over the last couple of weeks we’ve lost two legends of Winthrop, two men who had different views but who both shared a deep love for Winthrop and gave so much back to the town that they loved,” said Council President Jim Letterie. “Richard DiMento passed at 83 years young, he was a Town Meeting member for decades, a two-term selectman. Although he may have had somewhat of a crusty exterior, he was a very compassionate and generous man.:
Letterie said DiMento helped get him involved in politics.
“Don’t talk about it, do it,” said Letterie. “So I thank Richard for that. Richard leaves behind his amazing wife Emilie, who took such good care of him; she was his rock, his caretaker, his best friend.”
Letterie said Bangs passed just a few weeks short of his 95th birthday. Bangs’ wife of 65 years, Joan, died in 2018.
“Dick was a proud veteran and served six years as a Winthrop Selectman,” said Letterie. “However, his passion for fire service was vast and it spanned decades. He was a fire engineer chief in Winthrop, as well as serving on the Mass Fire Training Council for over a quarter of a century.”
Letterie said there will be a special place set aside for Bangs at the new fire station when it is completed.
“He was in his happy place on his front porch, always having visitors, whether they be family, friends, or neighbors,” said Letterie. “He leaves behind his children, grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Richard and Dick, you will be sorely missed.”