William Robichaud

WINCHENDON -- William E. “Buster” Robichaud, 77, of 36 Hall Road, Winchendon, died Saturday evening, Oct. 13, in the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after an illness.

He was born in Winchendon on April 15,1930, the son of Arthur R. and Antoinette (Foisy) Robichaud, and was a lifelong resident of Winchendon.

Buster was a 1948 graduate of Murdock High School and then served in the United States Navy and later the Naval Reserves during the Korean War. He was an inventory control manager for Independent Lock Company in Fitchburg for 27 years and later worked at George Bent Furniture Company in Gardner. After the company closed, he worked for Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School until his retirement in 1995.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Winchendon and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed home improvement projects, carpentry, studying financial planning and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox.

Buster leaves his wife of 40 years, Jaquelyn R. (Martin) Robichaud; a son, Richard E. McConnell and his wife, Susie, of Farmington Hills, Mich.; a daughter, Lisa E. St. Pierre and her husband, Brian, of Winchendon; three grandchildren, Jonathan McConnell, Erin McConnell and Shane Kesthely, as well as several nephews and nieces. Two brothers, Arthur R. Robichaud, Jr. and Richard Robichaud, predeceased him.

ROBICHAUD -- Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 17, from the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Restoration Fund, 52 Spruce St., Winchendon, MA 01475. See www.snow-ladeau.com for more information.