Richard A. Bourdeau

Richard A. Bourdeau, 90, of Six Fifth Street, died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Quaboag on the Common, West Brookfield. He was born in Southbridge, MA the son of Armand and Elodia (Lariviere) Bourdeau. He had lived in Brookfield for over 50 years. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Gertrude (Madigan) Bourdeau, two sons, Dr. Peter Bourdeau, his wife Kristine and their children Matthew and Alison of Warwick, RI, David Bourdeau, his wife Nancy and their children, Jonathan and Stephen of Brookfield, a daughter-in-law Gayle, wife of the late John R. Bourdeau and her two children, Michael and Daniel, two grand daughters-in-law, Michelle wife of Jonathan and Marianne, wife of Michael and three great grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicole, and Samantha all of Tucson, AZ. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Vivian Sullivan of Sturbridge and his eldest son, John R. Bourdeau of St. David, AZ. Richard graduated from high school in Southbridge and attended Northeastern University in Boston. In the late thirties he was employed by American Optical Co. in Southbridge and later by the War Department as an arms inspector at Springfield Armory. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Army. After graduating from Army Chemical Officers Candidate School he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He was given additional training and subsequently promoted to Captain. Captain Bourdeau was deployed to the Asiatic Pacific Theatre and distinguished himself as a Munitions Officer in Central Burma and Shanghai China. He attained the rank of Major and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. At the end of WWII, Major Bourdeau went on reserve status in the US Air Force. He was then recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict as a Squadron Commander in the Psychological Warfare Group at Clark Air Force Base in the Phillipine Islands. Upon completion of ten years of military service, Major Bourdeau entered civilian life and owned and operated several businesses, including Richard's Furniture in Brookfield, for 26 years, until his retirement in 1979. Mr. Bourdeau spent his retirement years enjoying his family, in particular, his beloved wife, Gertrude. The funeral for Richard will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 from the Pillsbury Funeral Home, Old West Brookfield Rd./Rte 9, Brookfield with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Church, Lincoln Street, Brookfield. Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery, Warren, MA. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, September 2, from 6-9 P.M.