Richard H. Aveyard Sr., 87

ADAMS, Mass. — Richard H. Aveyard Sr., 87, of Adams, AKA the Duck, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, Conn.

Born in Tewksbury, on July 25, 1936, he came to Adams at the age of seven. He was the adopted son of the late Russell and Mary (St. Pierre) Sturtevant, attended Adams schools, and was a graduate of the former Adams Memorial High School with class of 1956.

Dick was employed for several different area businesses, such as Lawrence Bieniek for several years, then for Rudnicks Coat Factory also for several years, TJ Harvey and Sons driving a truck, and for Maxymillian Construction and Bobby Randall Construction. He also worked part-time for Kasey Piekos owner of the former Greylock Burial Vaults, and finally for the General Electric Co. in Pittsfield, where he retired after 35 years of service.

Dick served in the National Guard from 1956 to 1964. He married Jean M. Lavigne on May 30, 1964, and purchased their only home as well as a new 1964 Power Wagon. He came home one day and on his 1980 motorcycle and said to his son, I will be right back, I’m going to retire mom. Dick got into his 1980 Ford Bronco and drove to Cord Master Engineering in North Adams and took his wife out of work. This was an awesome fairy tale story that was truly brought to life. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding in which he owned three horses. He was an avid motorcyclist and belonged to the Hoosac Valley Motorcycle Club with good friends, Gene Marcil who owned a 1955 Harley Davidson, Bruce McGrath who owned a 1948 Indian, and Dick who owned a 1954 Harley Davidson. They were well known as the Three Musketeers. Dick also owned and enjoyed his three-wheelers as well as his quad and snowmobiles in which one is on display now at Ronnies Cycle in Adams.

Dick was also a pilot, he and Ronnie Ouimet owned and flew a 1957 Piper Tri Pacer.

His wife the former Jean M. Lavigne, whom he married on May 30, 1964, died November 25, 2022. He is survived by a son, Michael Aveyard and his fiance Raquel Bouvier of Torrington, Conn. Four grandchildren, Charlie, Brandon, Cassie and Bella Aveyard, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Richard H. Aveyard Jr. Services for Dick will take place Friday, June 14, 2024, at noon from the TROTTIER PRINGLE FUNERAL HOME, 6 Summer St., Adams, MA 01220, burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery in Adams. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Friday from 10 AM until the time of the service. RIP “Duck”.