| Graduation Year | Class of 1950 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 28, 2000 |
| About | February 3, 2000, Cape Cod Times COTUIT - Richard C. Anderson, 68, a leading land use lawyer in Barnstable County for 30 years, died Friday at Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, after a brief illness. Born in Medford, Mr. Anderson moved to Bourne at an early age. He graduated from Bourne High School and received an undergraduate degree from Boston University. He played for Bourne in the Cape Cod Baseball League and led the league in batting during one of his seasons with the Canalmen. Following graduation from Boston University Law School and two years in the Army. He returned to the Cape in 1958 and joined Daniel J. Fern's law office on Main Street in Hyannis. He later joined in the partnership were Robert J. Donahue and Charles N. Sabbatt. The firm was one of the most well known and respected firms on Cape Cod. While engaged in a general practice, with skill in all aspects of the law, his specialty was in the field of land use and development with particular emphasis on zoning. He represented corporate and individual landowners clients before zoning boards in every town on the Cape and in the Superior Court, the Land Court and the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth. His legal skills brought professional success and great popularity with other members of his profession, particularly those younger members of the bar who came to him for guidance, support and encouragement. During the early years of his practice, he was a player for several productions of the Barnstable Comedy Club, and a master of bridge, traveling the New England Bridge Circuit in search of tournament play. His wit and humor also made him an ideal "roastmaster" at various charity dinners. Mr. Anderson was a member of the Wianno Club in Osterville where he was a perennial doubles tennis champion. His eloquent speech to the voting membership of the Wianno Club in 1978 turned the vote and prevented the razing of the old club building As president of the Beach Club in Centerville, he played a key role in preserving and restoring the architectural integrity of the original building. He was also a member of the Hyannis Yacht Club and a founding member of the Band of Angels Jokemasters of the Figawi Race Weekend. In the years following his retirement from the practice of law, he enjoyed gardening, sailing and entertaining his many friends, particularly children. A funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville. Burial was private. |
