With deep love and sadness, we share the news of the passing of Richard Lawrence Tetzlaff, 83, of Rockland, Massachusetts. Richard passed away peacefully at his home on December 10, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. He was born on October 1, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of the late William Nelson Tetzlaff and Marion Marguerite (Price) Tetzlaff. Richard was a graduate of Western Michigan University and a proud Navy veteran whose strong sense of duty and service carried throughout his life. Following his time in the military, Richard dedicated his professional life to education. He served as an Industrial Arts Teacher and as Director of Evening Adult Education at Braintree High School—where he also met his future wife, Jane. A patient mentor and gifted educator, he took great pride in encouraging creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence in his students. Richard was a devoted husband and loving father who raised three wonderful children. He shared more than 55 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jane Blackwood DeNicola Tetzlaff, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Richard found great joy on the water, spending many days fishing from his boat and enjoying the sea's quiet beauty with his family. He also cherished family camping trips, creating lasting memories under the open sky. A skilled handyman, Richard was always ready to help friends and neighbors, leaving behind countless acts of kindness. He enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests, including woodworking, stained glass, carving, model ship building, painting, rug making, gardening, wine making, photography, traveling, skiing, boating, golfing, fishing, and hunting. A devoted patron and admirer of the arts, his creativity enriched both his home and the lives of those around him. Richard believed deeply in giving back to his community. He served as a Boy Scout Leader, High School Ski Club Director, Catholic Youth Organization Leader, Rockland Memorial Library Trustee, and St. Vincent de Paul volunteer. A devout and practicing Roman Catholic, he was actively involved in church education, baptism, and marriage programs, living his faith through compassion, generosity, and quiet leadership. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his children Charles Tetzlaff (Thy Than), Catherine Tetzlaff Mundo (Alexander Mundo), and Andrew Tetzlaff (Melissa Ng); and his beloved grandchildren, Amelia and Garrett Mundo. The family also lovingly acknowledges Elizabeth Tetzlaff and the two other babies Jane and Richard lost—children held forever in their hearts and remembered with enduring love. He is also survived by his siblings Margaret Tetzlaff Rummler, Charles Tetzlaff (Karen), Sue Hansen (Chris), Christine Finholm (David), and Connie Potter (Gary). He was predeceased by his brother, Bill Tetzlaff. Richard is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, former students, and friends.

A Visitation will be held at Quealy & Son Funeral Home 116 Adams Street, Abington on Sunday December 28 from 2 PM to 5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Bridget Church, Abington on Monday December 29 at 10:30 AM. Interment to follow at Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to Abington Food Pantry – St. Vincent de Paul (checks payable to Abington Food Pantry sent to 455 Plymouth St, Abington, MA), Doctors Without Borders or Croi Health (Norwell) .

Richard's life was defined by faith, family, service, creativity, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.