Richard J. LeDuc

SOUTH HADLEY – Richard J. LeDuc, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 with family by his side. Richard was born in South Hadley, son of the late Adrian and Olivine (Tanguay) LeDuc. He was a graduate of South Hadley High School and served his country in the United States Army.  For over 30 years, he worked and retired as a linesman for South Hadley Electric Light Department. Richie loved to be surrounded by his family and friends. He enjoyed spending his days at the Ware Senior Center reminiscing with friends, playing pitch and square dancing with the Quabbin Valley Twirlers He had recently returned back to South Hadley where he often enjoyed having lunch with friends and making puzzles at the senior center in town.  When his children were young, he was passionate about coaching for the Woodlawn Red Sox youth baseball teams and was involved for many years with the South Hadley youth hockey league where he served as president of the association. Richie loved to go camping with his dog, Penny, going to air shows and car races with his sons, playing the harmonica to John Denver, and working on stained glass projects in his spare time. He loved driving and seeing different parts of the country, often just jumping in his car to spontaneously visit with family at their homes or showing up at his grandchildren's school events. 

He is predeceased by his siblings, Roland, Roger, Irene, and Doris, and his first-born grandson, Joseph.  Richard leaves behind his five children; Barbara LeDuc of South Hadley, Richard LeDuc and wife Lori of Chicopee, Suzanne Englaish Lachowetz and husband Jeffrey of South Hadley, Debi LeDuc of Vero Beach, FL, and Jeffrey LeDuc and wife Nanette of Willis, TX, nine grandchildren; Meghan and husband Alex, Christie and partner Joe, Joshua, Samantha and fiancé Sam, Courtney, Cameron, Caleb and partner Bekah, Austin, Connor, and Nicholas, 2 great-grandchildren; Kayla and William John and many other nieces, nephews and great friends. A celebration of life will be held for Richard on Saturday, August 3rd at the Boathouse Restaurant in South Hadley from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. His graveside service will be held at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001, on Monday, August 5th at 9 am. For more information, please visit Obrienfamilyfh.com