HOLYOKE:  Richard F. Meehan, 73, of Holyoke, died at his home on Thursday, June 1, 2017.  Born in Holyoke on August 12, 1943, Richard was the son of the late Francis J. and Irene M. (Ceppi) Meehan.  A lifelong resident of Holyoke, Rich was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.  Richard was a graduate of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut and earned his Master of Divinity from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland.  He served the Western Massachusetts community as a former Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Springfield for thirty-five years, and served the Cursillo community for many years. Rich had a passion for history and took great pride as an instructor of ESL for the Russian community and assisted many Russian immigrants in obtaining their citizenship.  He also enjoyed being a guest lecturer on church history at Providence Place and the Marian Center.  A loving and devoted son, Rich tirelessly took care of his mom, Irene to fulfill his promise to keep her in her home and the community she loved at Providence Place.  Irene died peacefully on October 27, 2016 at the age of 103 years old.  Rich is survived by many close friends and his extended Ceppi family.  He was predeceased by his sister, Rosalie who died as an infant.  Family and friends will gather on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral home for a procession to Blessed Sacrament Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Holyoke.  Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.  Memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Relief Services, 228 West Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.  For additional information or to extend an online expression of sympathy, please visit:  www.barryjfarrellfuneralhome.com