Pruneau, Richard Alphonse died peacefully in Chelsea on June 23, 2017, age 73 of a long illness. Longtime resident of Arlington, MA.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife Eda (Hohulja) Pruneau of 51 years, devoted father of Lisa Connearney & her husband Frank of Medford, & Michelle McCaffery & her husband William of Burlington, proud Grandfather of Ryan & Thomas Connearney & Brendan & Emma McCaffery. Loving brother of Shirley Johnston & her husband Robert of Auburndale, dear uncle to Robert W. Johnston & his wife Cindy, Laurie Levy & her husband Michael & the late William L. Johnston & his wife Lauren & several great nephews & nieces.
Born on February 6, 1944 in Boston to the late Francis G. & Ann (Nauer) Pruneau. He graduated from Don Bosco Tech in 1961. He then furthered his education at New England Institute-Kenmore Square & became a licensed funeral director in 1969. He married Eda in 1966. After moving to Arlington, Richard began working for Torf Funeral Service in Chelsea, MA as a Managing Funeral Director in 1970 where he stayed for 41 years. Richard also worked & assisted with many funeral home establishments in the Boston Area.
Richard loved & was dedicated to funeral service. He was passionate about all things funeral service. Although not Jewish himself, Richard was strict in his adherence to the Jewish Laws of Tahara always displayed compassion & understanding to the bereaved in their hour of need. He was an active, dedicated member of the Bellingham Lodge #53- Knights of Pythias, Handi Kids of Bridgewater, & Temple Emmanuel Brotherhood of Chelsea. Richard was an avid drummer & marched with the American Legion Post 156 Band of Waltham.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Church 51 Medford Street, Arlington, MA on Friday June 30, 2017 at 10:00AM. Relatives & friends invited to attend. Burial is private. Visiting hours will be held from the Torf Funeral Service-151 Washington Avenue, Chelsea on Thursday from 4-8PM.In lieu of flowers remembrances in Richard’s memory may be made to the St. Jude’s Hospital-501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Chelsea Jewish Foundation 165 Captains Row Chelsea, MA 02150