Richard A. Gregoire
He Was the Embodiment of a Family Man
Richard A. Gregoire, a lifelong resident of Everett, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 13 at the age of 92.
He was the beloved husband of the late Anna Marie ‘Anne’ (Catoggio) Gregoire with whom he shared 39 loving years of marriage; the devoted father of four children: Kathryn O’Brien and her husband, Joseph of Everett, Michele Glancy and her husband, Robert of Newton, NH and David Gregoire of Everett. He was predeceased by his cherished son, Richard P. Gregoire. He was the proud grandfather ‘Grandpa’ ‘Papa’ of six grandchildren: Joseph O’Brien and his wife, Daniela, Heather Kennedy and her husband, Jason, Julianne Murthi and her husband, Dinakar, Jason O’Brien, Jonathan Glancy and Caitlin Sanborn and her husband, Jim. He was predeceased by his precious grandson, Robby Glancy.
He was the loving great-grandfather 12 great-grandchildren: Ella, Max and Henry Murthi, Alex and Ava Kennedy, Vaughn O’Brien, Jameson, Jacoby and Mila Sanborn and Arianna, Matteo and Joseph O’Brien.
He was predeceased by his parents, Irene (Allaire) Gregoire and Hubert A. Gregoire and his sisters, Margaret Gregoire and Barbara Gregoire-Holman. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Richard was blessed to be able to live at home up until one month before his passing because of the devotion, love and care of his son, David with whom he lived and also with the love, care and support of his two daughters, Kathy and Michele, his grandchildren and family.
He was the embodiment of a family man. His family was his greatest source of Love, Joy and Pride. His wife, Anne ‘Ma’ was the love of his life since they were married when he was 19 years old. When she passed away too young he was heart-broken but he filled his life with his family, enjoying the simple yet most important joys of life.
He loved playing cribbage with his son, David. He loved visiting with his daughters, Kathy and Michele and hearing all about the milestones and funny stories about his great-grandchildren. He was always part of his grandchildren’s interests. Whether it was bowling with Joey, going to watch Heather cheerleading EHS football games, taking Julianne to her violin lessons, cheering on Jason at his baseball games, attending Jonathan’s music and art shows and being Caitlin’s biggest fan at her soccer and basketball games. He continued the traditions with his great-grandchildren enjoying their birthday parties, family holiday gatherings and also their school, sporting, music and dance activities.
When his children were younger, he had cute little nicknames for them. And with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he had his own made-up games and stories. He was always the adult you would find on the floor playing with the grandkids or holding the great grandkids.
He was humble but proud of playing baseball for Everett High School where he was a left-handed pitcher. He used to say he had two pitches; the fast ball and the curve ball. He said he preferred throwing the fast ball and admitted he wasn’t ‘much of a hitter himself but he could pitch.’
My brother David recently shared a story that he had told him he was proud that he had once pitched to baseball legend Harry Agganis.
He was also one of Everett High School Crimson Tide football team’s biggest fan. For more than 50 years he could be found sitting on the 50 yard line and usually the first one there. He used to tell his children if you arrived somewhere right on time you were late.
He was an avid walker. Richard could be spotted taking his daily long walks around the City of Everett and stopping to talk to people.
He also enjoyed taking a ride every day in his car just for pleasure. He loved listening to Elvis on the radio. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots with his son, David and taking road trips to Baltimore for a Red Sox game with his sons-in-law Bobby and Joey and some of his grandchildren. He loved visiting his grandchildren wherever they lived or were attending college and trips to Cape Cod. He was the best companion on the many road trips he took with his family. He loved to go out to eat at a restaurant, always wanted to pay and always gave a more than generous tip. He loved spending holidays with his family and wearing his famous ‘pink shirt’ every Christmas.
He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was always described as a gentleman. He will be greatly missed by his family but forever remembered for his devotion to them.
The family would like to thank Ghislaine ‘Gigi’ and also the staff at Aberjona Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Compassionate Care Hospice and Mystic Valley Elder Services for their compassionate care.
The services for Richard will be private. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. Kindly consider in lieu of flowers donations to Alzheimer’s Association @ https://www.alz.org or a charity of your choice.
“When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.” (unknown author)