Richard Armand Gendron, 82, passed into glory Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, after a brief, but difficult, battle with pancreatic cancer.
A native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Richard joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. Six years later, he met Jeanette, the love of his life for the next 60 years. A Vietnam veteran, Richard served as a corpsman and retired from the military in 1974 as a chief petty officer. After retiring, he and his wife settled in Tidewater with their three children, where he worked in insurance sales for the next 25 years.
Richard was a devout and humble servant of Jesus Christ, teaching his children the spiritual gifts of honesty, responsibility, kindness, and empathy for all creatures. A disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, Richard loved animals, and greatly enjoyed the company of his many pets through the years.
Richard had an especially clever and unique sense of humor that lifted the spirits of all who were privileged to know him. He also delighted in classical music and possessed an impressive knowledge of the genre gained from his avid listening since the age of 12. Other passions included baseball, American history, observing wildlife and online gaming with his PlayStation 4.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette (“the most beautiful woman I ever saw”); three heartbroken children, Angela, (husband, Felix), Tim (wife, Laura) and Becky; six wonderful grandchildren, Katie, Chandler, Noah, Alex, Carter and Jacob; and his brother Raymond, (wife, Barbara, daughters, Nicole, Michelle).
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, at Bucktrout Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at Saint Bede Catholic Church with burial to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Richard to Catholic Relief Services.
Share online condolences with the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.
