Richard A. Racette Sr.

Richard Armand Racette Sr. 1928-2010 NORTH ADAMS Mr. Richard Armand Racette Sr., 82 of 80 Gallup St. North Adams, died Wednesday December 22, 2010 at his home. He was born in North Adams, on February 20, 1928, son of Arthur J. and Mildred H. Carsno Racette. He attended local schools. Richard was a veteran of World War II and served in the US Navy Seabees. He was last employed by Excelsior Process & Engraving until his retirement in 1993. Before that, he worked at Wall-Streeter Shoe Co. for 20 years and the Hoosac Cotton Mill for 20 years. He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. Richard was a member of the Frank R. Stiles Post #125 American Legion. He enjoyed hunting and talking about politics. Richard was dedicated to his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his dog, "Chance". Survivors include his wife of 61 years, the former Nelda McDowell, whom he married on July 23, 1949 in St. Francis Church. Two daughters- Donna Racette and Debra Wood, and her husband, Richard of North Adams, two sons- Richard A. Racette Jr. and Karen Ferrara of North Adams and Kurt Racette and his wife, Annette of Ritchfield, N.C., nine grandchildren; Jason Wood, Zachary Wood, and his wife, Laura; Matthew Racette, Jennifer Racette, Michael Racette, Joshua Racette, Cole Skibik, Mariah Ferrara, and Max Quinn, three great grandchildren- Ava Grace Racette, Haley Elizabeth Wood, and Tenley Margaret Wood, three brothers; John Racette and his wife Theresa, and Donald Racette, and his wife, Dorothy of North Adams; and Robert Racette, and his wife, Sandra of Stuart, four sisters; Shirley Clukey of Lenox; Patricia Gorman of Adams; Jean Bressett of Stafford Springs, CT; and Sandra Racette of North Adams. He also leaves a son in law- Jeffrey Skibik of Charlemont; a special family friend, Lou Ann Quinn of North Adams and many nieces and nephews. A daughter, Jacklyn Racette Skibik died December 3, 2009. A brother, Arthur J. Racette is deceased and two sisters and one brother died as infants- Carol, Bernard, and Barbara. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Richard A. Racette Sr. will be Friday December 24, 2010 at 11 a.m. at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams with Pastor Sandra Racette officiating. Burial will follow in Southview cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.