Richard A. LaChance

Richard A. LaChance, of Salem, New Hampshire, passed away quietly at home among family Thursday, August 6, 2020 at the age of 86.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Bernadette (Roy), nine children, Daughters Denise and her husband Bruce Slovin, Carmen LaChance, Collette and her husband Rudolph Ferrandi, Lisette and her husband Marc Contrada, Michele Hicks, Paula and her husband Michael Ouellette, Noeline and her husband Paul Strozza, Julie and her husband Mike Novak, Son Mark and his wife Ann  LaChance, 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three siblings, Brother Roland and his wife  Sally LaChance, Sisters Jeanine Marchand, Elizabeth and her husband Buddy  Bricault and two sisters-in-law Jean LaChance and Lorraine LaChance.  He was preceded in death by his brothers Claude, Aurele, Gerard and Robert LaChance.  He was born and raised in Lawrence, MA. the  third of eight children of the  late Paul Emile and Lumina LaChance.  

As a young teen he attended the Marist Brothers, in Poughkeepsie, New York. Along with his upbringing in his formative years as a young child - by a sacrificial devoted nurturing mother - and his time spent in study shaped and molded the man he would later become…a devoted husband and dedicated father.  His deep seated convictions served as guide leading to a life of dedication, diligence and determination rooted in biblical principles of integrity - morally and ethically - leaving an invaluable legacy and heritage passed from one generation to the next…       

His enduring steadfast love for Bernadette, his bride, was evident through the years…as was her love for him…His leading, guidance and direction over his children served as a hedge of protection throughout their lives.

Notably known for a work ethic above reproach - Richard began his career at Pacific Mills, Lawrence Ma., later taking a position with Raytheon in the Apprenticeship Program, as a toolmaker in Lexington, MA. simultaneously continuing his education through Lowell Tech., Institute, Lowell MA. giving way to his final career move with Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard, MA. as a Manufacturing Engineer for 25 years.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours (practicing social distancing and current precautions) on Wednesday August 12, 2020 from 9 am to 11 am at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH.  A Funeral Mass will follow the calling hours on Wednesday at 11:30 am in St. Joseph Church, 40 Main Street, Salem, NH. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Salem, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to  either of the two charities below :

New Hampshire Association for the Blind / Future In Sight 
25 Walker Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 224-4039
https://futureinsight.org/donate/

The Amedisys Foundation
3854 American Way, Suite A 
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

All hospice donations to the Amedisys Foundation support our Patients' Special Needs Fund. Donations to the Amedisys Foundation can be made in memory of patients and/or in honor of our dedicated and compassionate staff

                  Donate Online:  https://www.amedisys.com/services/hospice-care/volunteers-and-donations/
Mail in Form:  https://www.amedisys.com/userfiles/Amedisys-Foundation-Special%20Needs-Form.pdf

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