SALEM - Mr. Richard A. "Rick" Watson, 53 of Salem passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at home. Born in Beverly, he was the son of Gailann (Westphal) Frye and the late Buck Oakie Frye. Raised and educated in Salem, he attended Salem Public Schools and was a graduate of Peabody High School class of 1983. Rick continued his education at North Shore Community College.

In his early years, Rick modeled for Calvin Klein and was proud of his modeling career. He was an advocate for many as most recently; he was a minister at the Church of Triacian Rose of Salem.

A gregarious personality, Rick loved to meet new people and make friends. He had a deep love for music, especially live music bands and always had a way of livening up the party with his dance moves and karaoke shows. He was devoted to his faith and family and enjoyed in the many gay pride events hosted throughout the city he loved so dearly. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his loving family and many friends. In addition to his mother, Gailann (Westphal) Frye of Buckhannon, WV, Rick is survived by his brother, Shaun B. Watson of Salem, his uncle, Glenn A. Westphal and his wife Kelly of Scotia, NY, his aunts, Donna Marie Martin and her husband Thomas of Rochester, NH and Deborah L'Horty and her husband Edward of Salem, his great aunt, Barbara Rochon of Salem and many cousins.

ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family, all services are private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Rick's memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com .