Emile Richard

Emile J. Richard, a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Heywood Hospital after a short period of declining health. At 101 years old, Emile lived a truly remarkable life, earning formal recognition from the state of Massachusetts. He was born on May 24, 1924, in Cap-Lumiere, New Brunswick, Canada, to the late Sara (Richard) and France Richard. He married the love of his life, Eva (Babineau), on October 29, 1960. In 1963, with Eva eight months pregnant and a highchair famously strapped to the roof of Emile's VW bug, they braved a snowstorm to move their family to Gardner, MA.

Emile was a man defined by hard work and dedication. He began his career as a fisherman in New Brunswick before the big move to Massachusetts, where he became a skilled sander in Gardner's famed chair factories. He spent most of his career at George Bent, officially retiring in 1986, but continuing to work part-time well into his 90s. He was a member of Annunciation Parish and the Acadian Social Club of Gardner.

A gifted carpenter and craftsman, Emile spent countless nights and weekends over the years tirelessly remodeling his home and fixing anything his family needed. He loved taking long walks and long naps, perhaps the secret to living to 101. But above all, his family was his greatest pride and joy - he was a fiercely loyal and protective patriarch to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Emile will be greatly missed by his loving family - his amazing and dedicated wife of nearly 65 years, Eva; and his three devoted daughters, Anne Dickie (James) of Winchendon, Monique Flint (Peter) of Templeton, and Sandra Cote of Gardner. He was a proud grandfather to Erica Cote (Dylan Wilson) of Westborough, Toni Algier (Josh) of Gardner, and Colton Flint of Templeton; and a special great-grandfather to Cash Emile Algier of Gardner. He is also survived by his brother Lorenzo (Yvonne) Richard of Coronado, California, and his sister Mai Maillet of Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Canada, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by six sisters, Edna, Emilia, Rita, Doris, Therese, and Louise, and two brothers, Livain and Florion.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols St., Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Notre Dame Cemetery, Notre Dame Rd, Gardner, MA.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Please reference in the memory of Emile J. Richard.