Robert J. Richard

FITCHBURG- Robert J. Richard, 88, of Fitchburg, formerly of Leominster, died Sunday, March 1, in Health Alliance Hospital, after an illness. He was born November 14, 1926, in Fitchburg, son of the late Prime and Lillian (Canty) Richard. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He also served in the National Guard for 6 years. Mr. Richard worked at the former Foster Grant for over 30 years before retiring. Prior to that, he worked for the former Fitchburg Yarn and Independent Lock. He enjoyed hiking, word search puzzles, and his dogs. His wife of 49 years, Doris (Beauchemin) Richard, died in 2003. He was also predeceased by his two brothers, Norman and Roger Richard, three sisters, Patricia Thibodeau, Constance Shepherd, and Gloria Sebek; and his brother-in-law, George Beauchemin. He leaves his son, Kevin G. Richard and his wife, Tracy of Dalton, MA; one sister, Jacqueline Goodband of Townsend; two grandchildren, Andrew Smith and his wife, Kristin of Westminster, and Jennifer Tavino and her husband, Greg of Coventry, RI; two great grandchildren, Rylie Smith and Alexandra Lewis; sister-in-law, Josephine Beauchemin of Leominster; many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held Friday, March 6, from Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, March 5, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 1st Ave., Suite A, Waltham, MA 02451 $(document).ready(function(){ });