Richard R. Vaillancourt

West Springfield � Richard R. Vaillancourt danced through the gates of heaven with his wife and soul mate, Rita, who had been waiting for him since April 1, 2002. Richard was born September 26, 1927 in Fall River, MA to Emma and Earl Vaillancourt. Richard joined the US Navy at age 18. He was stationed in Cuba on the Victory, he was mostly aboard ship and his home port was in Pennsylvania. Richard was a hard working family man. He worked for WICO in W. Spfld. for 32 years. When the plant closed he went to work at Hamilton Standard in CT, then to Savage Arms in Westfield, where he retired from in 1990. Richard married Rita (Hutchinson), June 10, 1947 and they resided in W. Spfld. where they raised their four daughters. Richard and Rita enjoyed travelling. His favorite thing to do was dance. He also enjoyed bowling, playing bingo and karaoke. He was able to do a lot of these activities over the 6 years he was at the Soldiers� Home in Holyoke. Richard will be greatly missed by his four daughters and son-in-laws, Susan Lagrant of Southbridge, Doris Marsh of Southwick, Donna and Ray Deleporte of Holyoke and Sharon and Eric Gallant of Springfield and his sister, Dorothy Martel of Fall River. Richard was proud of his 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. They will all miss the time they spent with him. He taught them to work hard, be brave and never give up. His favorite quote was �that�s life for you!� His grandsons will treasure their special handshakes. Everyone will miss his mischievous grin. Besides his wife, Rita, he was predeceased by his daughter, Doris Ann, son-in-law, Francis Marsh and his brother, Gerald Vaillancourt. The family would like to thank the Soldiers� Home for all the wonderful care and activities that kept him busy and happy. Richard�s funeral will be 9AM Friday at the TOOMEY-O�BRIEN Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., W. Spfld., followed by a 10AM Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Thomas Church, 47 Pine St. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4-7PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, Resident Activities Fund, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more information, please visit www.toomeyobrien.com .