Gerard J. Richard

FITCHBURG: Gerard J. Richard, 94, a longtime Fitchburg resident, died peacefully Monday evening, January 9, 2023, in a Houston hospital with family at his side. Jerry, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Fitchburg on March 6, 1928, to Joseph and Yvonne (St. Laurent) Richard. He had seven siblings, a big brother who saved his life twice, and six sisters who no doubt kept him in line! Jerry joined the Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He often shared stories of his time in Nevada during the testing of the atomic bombs, and of his adventures in Las Vegas while on leave. For 28 years Jerry worked as a winder at James River Paper Company before retiring in 1987. Previously, he had worked at Weyerhaeuser Paper Company as well as the Crocker Paper Company. Jerry was outgoing and gregarious, loved spending time with family and friends, was always ready with a joke or funny story, and truly never met a stranger. He had a passion for golf and enjoyed the game and the camaraderie with his golfing buddies. He liked to fish, play poker, enjoy a good meal or a sweet treat, and listen and dance to the sounds of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw. He was also an avid Bruins and Red Sox fan. Jerry moved to Houston, Texas in June of 2022. He loved the hot Texas summer, seeing the sights of Houston and neighboring towns, and spending quality time with his Texas family. Jerry is preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy (Heeley) Richard, his parents, his son-in-law Douglas A. Swett, and his siblings Evelyn Doucette, Pauline Fusco, Rita Provencher, Lucille Reilly, and Louise Richard. He is survived by his second wife, Forrestine (Morris) Brissette Richard; and his children Carol Ciccolini and husband John, Thomas Richard and wife Rhonda, Michael Richard and wife Susan, Susan Leger and husband Raymond, and Patricia Swett. He also leaves behind siblings Phillip Richard and Yvette Damien, several grandchildren and great grandchildren who adored their Pèpére, and many nieces and nephews. He will forever be in their hearts and his warm smile and fun-loving personality will be dearly missed every day. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main Street, Leominster. Interment will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Mr. Richard’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours Wednesday from 9:30 -10:30 AM at the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at https://www.alz.org/.

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Gerard J. Richard

March 6, 1928 - January 9, 2023