Archbishop Paul Joseph Richard

Archbishop Paul Joseph Richard “Brother Paul”, 73, of Gardner, was peacefully born into eternal life, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mother.

Born in Gardner on July 6, 1946, he was the son of the late Joseph and Doris (Goodwin) Richard. He was a graduate of Gardner High School. He was a Registered Nurse. He was the Metropolitan Archbishop for the Bisco tine Orthodox Church and worked as a prison chaplain.

Br. Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Gardner. Paul had a sincere devotion to God and carried out his works into his community. Paul led several prayer groups and Bible study classes in the area. He loved to take care of people and share God's blessings with them. He loved playing the organ and singing in church. In 1971, he founded the Domus Maria House of Prayer in Worcester and led it for over 30 years.

Br. Paul is survived by one sister Mary Anne LaFalam and her husband Norman of Florida; one aunt Annette Barrieault of Cape Coral, FL; one nephew Kirt LaFalam; one niece Tracy Dunbar and her husband Anthony; ten great nieces and nephews Christopher, Nathan, Mackenzie, Allison, Mason, Stephanie, Megan, Lora, Kiersten, and Kayleigh; and several cousins.

A Graveside Committal Service will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. in Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Gardner Relay for Life, 43 Nagog Park, Suite 110, Acton, MA 01720. Please reference in memory of Archbishop Paul J. Richard.