Billerica – Richard E. Newcomb, Sr, age 78, beloved husband of Arvilla Fay (Mason) Newcomb died February 27, 2015 at home surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was born September 11, 1936 in Lawrence, MA, a son of the late John and Theresa (Turcotte) Newcomb. Richard worked for 37 years at MIT Magnet Lab in Cambridge, MA as a purchasing agent. He was a member of the Billerica Elks Club #2071, Club Passe Temps of Lowell and the Woburn Wizard Magic Workshop. In his retirement, he enjoyed performing magic, especially for all his grandchildren. He is survived by three sons, Rick and wife Dottie of Billerica, Jim and wife Ruth of Lebanon, NH, Steven of Nashua, NH; two daughters, Kathy of Townsend, Gayle McMahon of Billerica; and son-in-law, Kevin Wales of Ludlow. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, three sisters, Janet Childs of Methuen, Sister Jane Newcomb, SUSC, of Tewksbury, Patricia Houston of Cambridge; two brothers, Dennis Newcomb of Tewksbury, Allan Newcomb and wife Faye of Rockaway, OR. He was predeceased by a daughter, Cyndy Newcomb-Ally-Wales, two brothers, John Newcomb, Jr., and Michael Newcomb. A memorial service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 242 Boston Rd, Chelmsford, MA on March 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by Burns Funeral Home, Billerica. www.burnsfuneralhomes.com