Richard (Dick) W. Beaudoin
June 01, 1933 - September 09, 2012
Hartford, CT
Memorial Service: 11:00 am October 06, 2012 at Saint Peters Episcopal Church, 30 Church Street (Rt-85), Hebron, CT 06248-1427
On September 9 2012 Dick Beaudoin passed on at the age 79 after a long illness. Dick died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. Dick is survived by his wife of 61 years, the love of his life, Patricia Jean (LaBrec) Beaudoin. His five Loving Children, Richard William Beaudoin II and his wife Laura of New London, His Daughter Laurie (Beaudoin) Gentino and her husband William of Wethersfield, Christopher Scott Beaudoin and his companion Sherry Thibodeau of Port Charlotte, Fl., Michael Aaron Beaudoin of East Windsor and Jeffrey James Beaudoin of Hampstead, NC. Dick leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Karie Beaudoin-Nero and her husband Leonard, Kristy Beaudoin-Kozlak and her husband Mark, Eric Gentino, Stacey Gentino, Rebecca Beaudoin, Danielle Beaudoin, and Tanner Beaudoin. Richard also showered love on his six great grandchildren, Olivia Nero, Talon Kozlak, Alexander Nero, Owen Kozlak, Juliette Nero, and William Nero. Known as "Poppy" to his many adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren, Dick was a nurturing presence in their lives. Dick is also survived by a special family friend Paul Napolitan.Dick was Born in Hartford CT, June 1 1933. Dick was predeceased by his mother and father, Irene Gregoire-Girard & Napolean Joseph Beaudoin. Dick spent his early years between Connecticut & Maine before going to live with his beloved Aunt & Uncle, Florence & Wilfred Morin, also deceased. It was his Aunt Florance, whose love and influence, shaped and inspired his life. Dicks family will be eternally grateful to Aunt Florence & Uncle Wilfred. In addition, Dick is survived by his cousins, whom he referred to as his brother and sisters, Dorothy Santacroce, Doris Haag, Joyce Riccio and Ray Morin. Dick is also survived by his sister Elaine Ahern-Girard and brothers Gregory Girard, Michael Girard and David Girard. Dick & Patti were married in Wethersfield on March 17th 1951 (St Patricks Day) at the Methodist Church and began what was to be an amazing journey together. Patti & Dick were rarely apart, true partners in every way, they cherished each other and showered their family with Love. Dick joined the US Army Reserves in 1954 while working at Coopers Furniture in Wethersfield, CT. In 1963 Dick was hired by Bob Wilder to work at a new business called Porch & Patio in Wethersfield, CT. It was the start of a career and a friendship that endured for over 30 years as Bob and Dick built the business together. Dick became the general manager and Executive Vice President of Porch & Patio. Everyone who worked at Porch & Patio was touched by Dick's generosity, understanding and compassion. Dick made friends easily and if you worked at Porch & Patio you were treated like family. Dick built the first family home in 1957 in Amston, Ct and the family expanded. In 1971 Dick & Patti purchased Tall Pines Farm in Hebron, Ct. In addition to his work at Porch & Patio Dick became a gentleman farmer, which of course provided unlimited chores, but also an experience that was rich and satisfying. People traveled many miles to purchase the raw organic milk that came from very pampered Jersey cows. The farm was the go to place for numerous gatherings of family & friends. The farm was sold in 1999. Patti & Dick spent the next 8 years traveling between Florida and their 250 year old Cape in North Shapleigh, Maine, which he himself restored. Dick & Patti traveled to many parts of the world together. But it was their time with family & friends that brought the most joy to their lives. Dick was a pillar of strength, humility and honor. Dick was a good man to everyone he met, but to his family he was much more than that, he was beautiful. Family and Friends are invited to a Memorial Celebration to be held at Saint Peters Episcopal Church, 30 Church Street (Rt-85), Hebron, CT 06248-1427 on Saturday October 6 2012 at 11AM. Following the celebration there will be a reception at Phelps Hall adjacent to the church. All are welcome. In Lieu of flowers a donation may be given to Saint Peters Episcopal Church in celebration of Dick.