Richard S. Buzz Barton, of Melrose, died at his home surrounded by his family on April 9, 2011 at the age of 77. Richard was born & raised in Everett and a graduate of Boston Latin High School, Class of 1951, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to earn his degree from Bates College in Maine, Class of 1955 and served in the United States Marine Corp from 1957 to 1959. After returning from the Marine Corp., Richard received his law degree from Boston University, Class of 1962. Richard practiced law for over 45 years establishing the law offices of Smith & Barton in Malden, MA. He was board member of the Melrose YMCA for many years, a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and Past President for the Middlesex Bar Association. Richard, adored by his family, was the beloved husband for 30 years to Joan L. (Dowling) Barton. Caring son of the late Dr. Benjamin Barton & his wife Alice (Hill) Barton. Loving father of Amy Barton of Amesbury, Andrew McNeilly & his wife Tara of Melrose, Liam McNeilly & his wife Jennifer of Wakefield, Alison Rudolph & her husband David of Chelsea and Michael Barton & his wife April of PA. Devoted brother of Margie Levin & her husband Jack of FL, Honorable Robert Barton & his wife Norma of Bedford. Brother in law of Dr. George Glines & his wife Ann of Charlestown & Joseph Dowling & his wife Peggy of Lynn. Cherished grandfather of Madison, Morgan, Madeline, Norah, Jack, Beckett and Westin. Richard will always be remembered for his kindness and his unique ability to make everyone he met feel special. He was the consummate gentleman. A special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Clark, Emily Olson N.P. and Katie Dakin R.N. of Massachusetts General Hospital. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and loving & close friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday April 13th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Marys Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours on Tuesday from 4-8PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richards name to Mass. General Hospital Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 Attn: Jeffrey Clark MD.