Reverend Richard Thomas Burton, USN, Ret., 66, of Haverhill, MA, a Catholic Priest serving the Archdiocese of Boston, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his home, with his loved ones by his side.

Born and raised in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Lewis and Hortense (Archambault) Burton, and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1977. After high school, Fr. Burton attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1981 and served until 1994, retiring with the rank of Lt. Commander and received several commendations and medals. During his time in the Navy, he attended the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, where he received a Master of Science degree in Acoustical Physics. After discharge from the service, he served as a physics teacher at Bishop Fenwick High School, in Peabody, MA, before entering Pope John XXIII Seminary School in Weston, MA, receiving his degree in Theology.

In 2003, Fr. Burton was Ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest by his Excellency, The Most Reverend Richard Gerald Lennon, and served as Parish Pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Salem, MA, and at Our Lady of Fatima, Peabody, MA. He later served as Pastor at St. Lucy’s, Methuen, MA, and St. Mary’s, Georgetown and Rowley, MA and as administrator at St. John the Evangelist, Chelmsford, MA.

Fr. Burton will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his brother, Jeff Burton of Haverhill, MA and his sister, Tricia Dupre of Claremont, NH, nephews, William Lalibertie and Graham Burton, niece, Jesse Marsh, great nephews, Zachary and Owen Marsh and William and Charles Laliberte, his best buddy “Bandit” and longtime Burton family friend, Joanne Lemieux.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service for Fr. Burton on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hilldale Ave., Haverhill, MA and followed by the rendering of military honors by the US Navy. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH.