SPENCER: Richard R. “Pitou” Pelletier 89, ofSpencer, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 27th,following a long illness.
He leaves his wife of 67 years, Rosalie M. (Ryant) Pelletier, his son Robert R. Pelletier and his wife Marguerite of Brookfield, his daughter Bernadette E. “Bunny” Vinyard and her husband Michael of Southbridge, four grandchildren, Joshua Vinyard, Renee Pelletier, SSG Andrew R. Pelletier and Emily Murphy and her husband Brian, two great grandchildren Landon Pelletier and Jackson Murphy, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers Eugene, Armand, and Edmond Pelletier of Spencer.
Born in Brockton, he was the son of Eugene and Mary (Girouard) Pelletier and later served his country as a private in the U.S.Army with the 101st. Airborne in Europe. He was later captured in France and was held as a POW in Germany,escaping after 13 months of captivity.
After returning from the war, Mr. Pelletier was employed by Reed Rolled Thread and Die Co. in Holden for 35 years, retiring in 1987. He was a lifelong member of the Gaudette-Kirk Post 138-American Legion in Spencer, and a member of the Ex-POW Organization of Mass. He was a member of Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish. “Pitou’s” greatest joy was his family, his garden and his blueberry bushes.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Overlook Hospice of Charlton with special gratitude to his nurse Christine Mahoney and aide Alicea Carey.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 30 from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10am. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial will follow with Military Honors in Pine Grove Cemetery, Spencer. Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 7p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Mary, Queen of the Rosary Food Pantry, 60 Maple St.,Spencer, Ma. 01562 or the Central Mass. Chapter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.