Richard E. Grenier, age 87, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2009 at Greenbriar Rehab Center in Nashua.
He was born in Amesbury, Ma on June 19, 1921, the son of the late Ludarice and Lena (Sarasin) Grenier. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Aug. 1942, serving as a Gunners Mate Second Class until his discharge in Nov. 1945. Richard was a gunner aboard LST 716, which participated in combat landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He survived 14 days afloat, in a raft, off the coast of Brazil after his troop ship was sunk by a German submarine. Richard was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Area Medal with three stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Following his discharge from the Navy, he worked as a compositor at the Peterborough Transcript and was employed by Courier Citizen of Lowell for more than 25 years.
Richard was a long time resident of Dracut and moved to Nashua NH upon his retirement. He was a member of the Nashua VFW Post 483. Richard enjoyed scuba diving, golfing and dancing, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his loving family.
He is survived by two daughters, Judith Hebert and her husband Richard of Lowell, and June Camber and her friend, Steve Johnson of Templeton, MA; his very dear friend and loving companion, Judithann Mcbride; two sisters, Pauline Hebb of Ayer and Lorraine Purington of East Kingston, NH; he was the proud grandfather of Michael Hebert and his wife Barbara of Wilmington, Dennis Hebert and his wife Betsy of Chelmsford, Craig Camber and his wife Francine of Gardner and Randy Camber of Baldwinville; he also leaves 5 great grandchildren, Danielle and Jennifer Hebert, Emma and Hope Hebert and Casey Camber; also several nieces and nephews. Richard was pre-deceased by a sister, Lucille Lavalley and a brother, Laurent Grenier.
Relatives and friends may call at the M. R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell on Wednesday, April 1 from 4 to 8pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock at Ste. Marguerite D'Youville Parish - Ste. Therese Church, Dracut. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to The Caregivers, 491 Amherst St., Nashua, NH 03064, an organization who's mission is to assist the frail, elderly, and disabled in order that they may maintain their independence and dignity.