Joseph H.F. "Phil" Richard

TEMPLETON - Joseph H.F. "Phil" Richard, 86 of 213 South Main Street, Templeton formerly of Gardner, died Thursday, March 24, 2011 in the Heywood Hospital, Gardner. He was born in Gardner, on April 27, 1924, the son of the late Henry and the late Rose (Pitre) Richard. He grew up in Gardner and was educated in Gardner. He resided in Gardner for many years before moving to Templeton eight years ago. Mr. Richard was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served on the USS Champlain which helped recover astronaut Alan Shepard in 1961. He also worked for Harrington Richardson for 20 years. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, a member of the Acadian Club, the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the Gardner V.F.W. Post 905. He was an avid fisherman enjoying time at the Millers River. He was a sports enthusiast and loved the Red Sox and the Patriots. He was devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed time spent with family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events. He was always active in the Memorial Day Ceremonies in Gardner and volunteered as a member of the V.F.W. Honor Guard for many years. He enjoyed his daily visits to McDonalds engaging in spirited conversation with his many friends. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Fukuyo Mary (Ishii) Richard; two sons, Bobby and Linda Richard of Phillipston, Billy and Diana Richard of Nashua, NH; four daughters, Debra Vogel and her husband Mike of Winchendon, Michelle Wirzbicki and her husband Mark of Gardner, Maxine Horrigan and her husband Tim of Gardner, Lisa Lajoie and her husband Jeff of Fitzwilliam, NH; one sister, Jeannette LaRoche of Gardner; one sister in-law, Doris Richards of Gardner; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Leo Richard, Herve Richard, Ray Richard, "Guillaume" William Richard; by one sister, Rita Howard and by one grandson Corey Heater. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 11:30 am in Our Lady Of The Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St., Gardner. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. Calling hours will be held Monday, March 28, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner with a ritual service by the Gardner V.F.W. to be conducted at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to a charity of one's choice. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });