Michael R. Richard, 27, died unexpectedly on August 28, 2026.

Michael was born in Boston on March 20, 1999, and is the son of Joseph and Nancy Richard of Bedford.

Raised in Bedford, Michael graduated from Bedford High School in 2017. He remained deeply proud of his Bedford roots throughout his life displaying the Bedford flag in his apartment.

Michael furthered his education at Brandeis University in Waltham where he earned his degrees magnum cum laude in math and economics. He completed his Master's degree at Boston University in 2023.

While in graduate school, Michael worked at St. Peter's School in Cambridge finding joy in teaching seventh-grade math. For the past three years he has been employed at Spinnaker Analytics in Boston as a data analyst.

Michael was a member of St. Michael Parish in Bedford and also attended Mass in Lowell at St. Athanasius Church. Deeply devout, he was an avid student of Catholic theology, particularly the Thomistic and mystical traditions. He had a special devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe, his confirmation saint.

A gifted and creative writer, he was recently writing a fiction book about a father and son as they navigated the tribulations of life and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. Michael brought an extraordinary curiosity to life that he explored in his writing and relationships. He appreciated the interpersonal kinship humans have with strangers and loved ones.

Michael was very kind and sensitive to the needs of others. Michael’s kindness and sensitivity reached far beyond his close community. On his walks to work, he would take the time to sit and talk with the homeless—sharing meals and human connection. Even during his last two weeks, working in Mumbai, he interacted with the homeless children. They came to know him and reached out using a playful hand gesture he taught them, bringing a little light of joy to their world.

To his friends, Michael was the smartest and funniest person in the room, but also the one they called when they needed someone most. His sharp wit, endless curiosity, and unmistakable idiosyncrasies made him entirely his own. Mike could be counted on to make friends and family laugh in any situation, but he also listened, remembered, showed up, and cared deeply. Michael was a constant in the lives of so many, he will be missed not only as the person he was, but the particular place he held in each of their lives.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Ryan and Matthew Richard both of Bedford, his aunts, Laureen Guarente and Mary Wright and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Robert and Joan Guarente and Ernest and Carmen Richard, his aunt, Joyce Guarente and cousin Brendan Sullivan.

The world feels the weight of his loss but shines brighter for all that he brought to it. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the many, many people who loved him.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Rd., Bedford, on Thursday, September 3, from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, on Friday, September 4, at 10 A.M.

Interment will be in Shawsheen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family will soon set up a charitable fund to receive donations for the homeless.