Omer A. Richard, 76
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Omer A. "Al" Richard, 76, of 33 Northern Lights Ave. died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at home, surrounded by his family.
Born on April 16, 1932, son of Omer and Albina Guerin Richard, he resided at 82 Beaver St. and attended the former Notre Dame School. He graduated from Drury High School in 1950. He later studed drafting at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
An Army veteran of the Korean War, he enlisted with four friends on Jan. 15, 1951, and went to Fort Polk, La., for basic training. He served in Occupied Japan and a year of combat duty in Korean with the 45th Infantry Division, attaining the rank of corporal. Of the five friends who enlisted, he was the only survivor of the war. His final assignment was in personnel at Camp Stoneman, Calif.
Mr. Richard was employed as a draftsman at the former Sprague Electric Co. and then at the former General Electric in Pittsfield, retiring in 1993 with 27 years of service.
He was a communicant of the former Notre Dame Church and a member of the American Legion. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was also a member of the Berkshire Model Railroad Club, and spent most of his retirement working on his model railroad. He also built several miniature dollhouses for his grandchildren.
He and his wife, the former Rose Marie Bua, were married on April 28, 1956, in St. Anthony's Church, with his uncle Monsignor Eugene Guerin as celebrant. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a large party at their home attended by many family members and friends. In their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling around the country visiting relatives.
Besides his wife, he leaves three sons, Wayne Richard and Christopher Richard, both of Loudonville, N.Y., Salvatore Richard of Weare, N.H.; a daughter, Michelle Michaels Richard-O'Brien of North Adams; six grandchildren, Chad Richard, Shaun Richard, Zachary Broderick, Morgan Michaels, Amanda Michaels and Natasha Richard, a great-granddaughter, Molly Richard, and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jean Richard, and two sisters, Jeannette Sartor, later of Houston, and Theresa Prenguber, late of Pittsfield.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mr. Richard will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 27, at 9 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Friday from 4 to 8. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Adams Ambulance Service in care of the funeral home.