Richard A. Gauthier, 83, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16th at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances (Bertrand) Gauthier; three daughters, Dr. Lorraine Gauthier of Davidson, NC, Cheryl Orrell (husband Scott) of North Oxford and Kris Gauthier, with whom he lived and one son Stephen “Steve” (wife Sue) of West Boylston. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren – Jordan, Nolan, Katie, Jared and Justin; brothers, Gaston “Gus” Gauthier and wife Jeannine of Northboro, Donald “Don” Gauthier and his wife, Judy of Millbury, Gerald “Jerry” Gauthier and wife, Claire of West Franklin, NH; sisters, Eveline “Eve” Ricci of McDonough, GA, Lucie, Jacqueline “Jackie” and Rachel Gauthier and Cecile “Sis” Murphy, all of Millbury; sister-in-law Geraldine “Gerry” Gauthier of Auburn and many nephews, nieces, cousins and cherished family friends. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Dan Harlan of Davidson, NC, brothers, Clarence Gauthier and his wife. Laurianne of North Richland Hills, TX, J. Roland Gauthier and his wife, Eileen of South Grafton, Paul Gauthier of Auburn and a sister, Marie Therese of Millbury.

Dick was born in the Wilkinsonville section of Sutton, the son of the late Hilarien and Cecile (Thibault) Gauthier, and lived in Millbury all his life, attending Assumption School and graduating from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1951. Following graduation from trade school, he worked for 2 years prior to entering the United States Air Force in 1953, serving time overseas in Japan and Korea during the Korean Conflict with the 430th FBS of the 58th Fighter Squadron.

He was employed by the Town of Millbury as the Superintendent of the Dump, which later became known as the Transfer Station and was integral in building the recognizable “Mount Trashmore” on Riverlin Street, retiring in 1993. Dick also worked for a trucking company as a mechanic and drove school buses while raising his children and served as a Town Constable. He was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, but was previously a long-time member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Worcester. He was a life member of VFW Post #3329, the American Legion Post # 9, and Millbury Veterans’ Council, serving in various leadership capacities in all of these Veterans’ Organizations. He was also a member of DAV Chapter 4, the former Franco-American Progressive Club of Millbury and the AARP Bancroft Chapter 2599. He enjoyed traveling with the Millbury Seniors, Royal Travelers and AARP, volunteering at Bingo, playing cards, going to the casino, making puzzles, wood working and spending time with his family and friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mietkiewicz and Deb, the staff at UMASS Memorial Medical Center – University Campus, especially Dr. Meyer & the CHF Clinic Staff, Drs. Browning, Montague and Niemi, the University Campus 3rd Floor and Step-Down Unit nursing staff, as well as the staff at Fresenius Medical Care in Webster and Shrewsbury for all of their care and support, especially over the past 3 years.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20th from Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main St. in Millbury, with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Road in Worcester.

Calling hours are 4 to 8pm Friday, Feb. 19th in the funeral home. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Members of the Millbury veterans’ organizations will meet at funeral home for a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Richard Gauthier may be made to University of Massachusetts Memorial Foundation in support of Cardiology or Nephrology research. Gifts can be made online at www.umassmed.edu/advancement (click on the Make a Gift button) or mailed to: UMASS Medicine Office of Advancement, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Checks should be made out to “UMMF” and either the cardiology or nephrology designation.