Richard James Connaughton, 63, of Ashland passed away Sunday, January 22nd, at the Metrowest Medical Center in Natick. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Edward and Lucy (Ward) Connaughton of Weymouth and husband of Deborah (Travis) Connaughton of Framingham. They were married 38 years. Dick was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School, Braintree, MA, and received his B.S. Degree from Providence College Class of 1970. Dick worked for almost 30 years in the retail industry. During his career, he worked many facets of the industry, including Merchandiser, Head Merchandiser, Buyer, and Divisional Merchandise Manager for Zayre Corporation. He became an Assistant Vice President in charge of Planning and Allocations for Ames Corporation before ending his career at Marshall's in Andover. Dick enjoyed sports, gardening and was an avid golfer, who played many courses worldwide, and was a longtime member of the Framingham Country Club. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Laura Ann Connaughton and her fiancé Andrew Shaw, of Raleigh, NC, and Michael James Connaughton of Ashland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 9:00 a.m. in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street, in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ashland Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721.