Obituary
We regret to announce the passing of Richard Joseph Lafleur, 98, who left us peacefully on July 24th, 2024, at the Bel-Aire Center, in Newport, VT, in the company of his loving family.
Born on February 4th, 1926, in Irasburg, VT, to Albert and Donalda (Berlinguette) Lafleur, Richard was the eldest son, and the third eldest sibling of his family. He was also the sole survivor of his immediate family, following the passing of his brother Maurice Lafleur, in February, 2024.
Richard grew up on the Irasburg family farm, and attended graded school, but unfortunately was unable to complete 8th Grade as his father suffered a stroke, and thus, being the eldest son, at 14 years of age, was tasked with a majority of the responsibilities of maintaining the family farm, along with his mother and other siblings.
At the age of 17/18, Richard began what would be his lifelong career at Ethan Allen, Inc., Orleans, VT (in between military assignments), finally retiring in 1992 as the Yard Supervisor. Richard had an amazing work ethic, for which he expected from his employees as well, thus, sometimes perceived as being a strict boss, also one who in the end, was respected and appreciated by many.
In 1944, Richard enlisted as a Merchant Seaman for approximately 1-1/2 years. His responsibilities on the ship, as a fireman and primarily a Ship’s Gunner’s Mate(with a .50 caliber machine gun) was to protect the Oil Tankers while transporting fuel from England to all US ports, supplying fuel for air bases and naval ship yards. His next military stint was in 1946, in the Regular Army where he was sent to Japan for the post WWII occupation for 1-1/2 years, as a Heavy Truck Driver. Medals earned for this service included: the WWII Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan, and the National Defense Service Medal. Once home he joined the Army National Guard, and in 1950 was called to report for the Korean War, where he spent 12 months in South Korea as a combat soldier. For this, he received numerous accolades, the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Citizens Badge.
Once permanently back in the States, Richard eventually met the love of his life, Genevieve Pollander, at a Street Dance in the village of Orleans, VT. After 4-1/2 years of courtship, they were married on May 24th, 1958, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans, VT. Richard and Genevieve went on to have five children, and in 1972 moved to their final family dwelling in the Village of Irasburg. It was here where Richard would be known for his extremely bountiful vegetable gardens, and maintaining the very delicious and lucrative raspberry patch. As a beloved, devoted community member, Richard served on the Irasburg Village Water Board until 2007 when he and Genevieve sold their home to enjoy retirement and the rest of their days, residing in Orleans, VT.
Richard also held numerous handyman side jobs to support and raise his loving family of seven. He was the Irasburg Village Catholic cemetery maintenance person (along with his children) for many years, and also helped with summertime haying for relatives and friends.
Other community associations were being a member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW and the American Legion.
In his free time, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, for which such passion and skills trickled down to his children. No greater joy was had when he was enjoying these hobbies with his brothers and sons. Many stories and pictures document these wonderful adventures.
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Genevieve, parents, Donalda & Albert Lafleur, in-laws Irene and Stanislas Pollander, siblings(spouses), Clarice (Lucien) Messier, Rose(Eddy) Vachon, Jean Paul(Anita) Lafleur, Michael(Yvette) Lafleur, Dolores(Andrew) Harbec, Maurice Lafleur, Gertrude(Ernest) Beauregard, little brother Andrew Lafleur, and his grandson Christopher Lafleur. Also brothers-in-law, Aldie Pollander, Philip Pollander, Francis Pollander, Greg Cresswell, Joe Souliere and Richard Ryan, sister-in-law Joan Souliere.
He is survived by his children, David(partner Tani Breitenbach) Lafleur, Wayne(Cheryl) Lafleur, Paul Lafleur, Bryan(Laura) Lafleur, & Colleen Lafleur Doty.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer (Daniel) Pirillo, Shane(Katelyn) Lafleur, Amelia Lafleur, Mitchel Pion, Colby Lafleur, Joel(partner Whitney Wright) Lafleur, Nathan(Aubrey) Lafleur, Andrew Lafleur, David Lafleur, Isaac(fiancée Natalie Roberts) Lafleur, Emily Doty, and Brianna Doty(aka “Chipmunk” per her grandpa), as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Also, a dear friend, who began his acquaintance with the Lafleur family as a childhood friend of the twins which grew to a lifetime bond was also special to Richard, as close as a stepson could be, David Montague.
A special thanks goes out to his dear neighbor and amazing friend Brigitte Moulton. Her watchful eye and loving care were greatly appreciated by his children, and she will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Other special friends in Richard’s later years once retired, include Nelly Curtis, Maurice (Moe) Ingalls, Ray Decelles, and Lisa Gaboriault. Also, thank you to the employees of the Orleans Family Dollar and Thibault’s Market who always kept a watchful eye on Richard, even when he was still driving and doing errands in his 90’s.
Richard, Dick, Dickie, Dad, Pops, Grandpa, Super Pepe, Uncle Richard, will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and colleagues.
A funeral service will be held at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated, on Saturday, September 28th @ 10:30am with interment to follow at Irasburg Village Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the St Theresa’s Hall in Orleans, VT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local VFW 798 Auxiliary, who always accommodated Dad’s requests for holiday meals. Thank you, Annette & Gordon Brown. Address: VFW 798 Auxiliary, 141 Central St, Newport, VT 05855.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Richard Joseph Lafleur, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
