Richard E. Touchette
May 18, 1942 — August 12, 2011
GARDNER – Richard E. “Dick” Touchette, 69, of 160 Blanchard Street, Gardner died peacefully Friday evening, August 12 th in Life Care Center of Leominster.
He was born in Gardner on May 18, 1942, son of Lawrence J. and Merle A. (Brehio) Touchette and attended many area public schools in South Lancaster, Templeton and Winchendon. He attended Gardner High School from 1957 to 1960, where he graduated with the Class of 1960.
Shortly after high school graduation in 1960, he fulfilled his military obligation of six month training and the balance of his military obligation to the Massachusetts National Guard.
After working four years at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, located in East Hartford, CT, he decided to attend Mt. Wachusett Community College in Gardner from 1965 to 1967. In fact, he was in the second graduating class of the school. Transferring his credits to Fitchburg State College, he graduated in June, 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, with a Degree in History and Geography.
Though he wasn’t able to take full advantage of his education, Dick took a job at Mead Containers in Gardner, where he worked from 1972 to 1982, as a production planner and later as an administrative assistant. The Mead plant was sold to a competing company and Dick was able to get a job as Chief Production Planner at Star Container in Leominster, MA. It was here that he worked nearly 24 years until his retirement in April, 2006.
Dick’s favorite hobby was travel. Many of his trips were taken alone, whether going by plane or driving. Perhaps his longest trip was to Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota in October, 2009. His goal was to see and visit all 50 states in his lifetime. Dick also enjoyed train shows, reading history, and following the Boston Red Sox. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his daughter.
He leaves his daughter, Courtney E. Touchette of Baldwinville; his former wife and friend Carolyn Touchette of Baldwinville; his sister Carole M. Boulay of Gardner; his aunt, Marion Lancey of Baldwinville, as well as several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard L. Touchette and William J. Touchette.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 18 th at 11 A.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. Francis A. Roberge will officiate.
Calling hours in the funeral home will be Wednesday, August 17 th from 6 to 8 P.M.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.