Richard H. Learoyd

Richard H. “Rick” Learoyd, of Haverhill, passed away at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen after an enduring battle with cancer on December 21, 2025, just a few weeks shy of his 64th birthday. 

Born to the late Wayne S. and Virginia M. (Pierce) Learoyd, Rick was raised and educated in Danvers, MA, graduating with the Danvers High School class of 1980. He went on to attend Franklin Pierce University, receiving his associate degree in marketing. Known to many as “Mr. Dailey’s,” due to becoming a well-loved and sought out bartender at Dailey’s Restaurant in Middleton, MA, he also simultaneously worked a full-time tech career at internet business startup Delphi, as well as other tech-based companies in the Lowell/Boston area, with FAI and CMGI being notable examples. He also worked for several years managing the Chateau Restaurant in Andover, MA, and most recently at the Atkinson Country Club. Many of his local regulars knew him from his many years at his various restaurant positions, often planning their visits around his schedule.

Rick was a lively and fun person to be around. Known for his friendly personality and charm, he was the life of the party in every room he entered. Providing his own source of entertainment, Rick’s lightning-quick wit, sense of humor, and compassion will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by his siblings, Kenneth, Janet, Judith and MaryBeth as well as his partner of 15 years, Kevin J. Cleary, who passed in May of 2021, also from complications of cancer. He leaves behind his two sons, Matthew Learoyd of Haverhill and Christopher Learoyd of Allston, and their mother who was also his friend and former wife, Patricia (Curran) Cook of Haverhill. Rick is also survived by his brother-in-law “Uncle Mike” Herlihy of Danvers, as well as many nieces and nephews, including Gregory Clark, Kerri (Haley) Garrett, Shelley Herlihy, Timothy Herlihy, Jamie Herlihy (deceased), Thomas Williams, Lisa Williams, Melissa Haley, and Michael Haley. He also is survived and loved by a large family of cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, former in-laws, and close friends Joan Caron Comeau, Donald Carter, Beth O’Shea Bertoni, Jeffery Myers, Diane O’Keefe, Joel Ginsburg, Michael Marticio, and Tiffany Middleton.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) in Danvers, MA, on Sunday, January 11th, 2026 from 10 AM to 2 PM. All other services are private. A celebration of Rick’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s memory may be made to The American Cancer society. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.