Richard M. Earle Sr.

Richard M. Earle, Sr., 91, of Baldwinville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus in Worcester, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief period of declining health.

Born in East Templeton on April 11, 1934, he was the son of the late Douglas and Helen Mae (Ylonen) (Burt) Earle. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War Era, where he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Richard dedicated over thirty years to his career as a truck driver with Premium Corrugated Box in Fitchburg.

Richard was an active member of several clubs and organizations throughout his life, including the Otter River Sportsman's Club, the Ovila Case VFW Post 905 of Gardner, and the Good Sam Camping Club. He found joy and fulfillment in the simple things-spending time outdoors, working on his beloved tractors, and sharing stories with friends and neighbors. Richard had a deep passion for race cars and draft horses, and he was affectionately known in his neighborhood as a "people watcher" and "social butterfly." Above all, he cherished every moment spent with his family, who brought him his greatest happiness.

Richard is survived by a son, Richard M. Earle Jr and his wife Paula, of Lafayette, Louisiana three daughters, Susan Baldwin and her husband Michael, of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, Linda M. Holmquist and her husband Kevin, of Winchendon, and Amy M. Larocque and since predeceased, beloved husband Daniel Larocque, of Fitchburg; two sisters, Sheila Tallman of Templeton, and Mayfred Marengo of Winchendon; four grandchildren, Tammi Smith, Kyle Holmquist, Nichole Pratt, and Jennifer Lee; six great-grandchildren, Jeremy Smith, Addysen, Aubree, and Sawyer Pratt, Gabriel and Gianna Lee; he is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by devoted wife, Mary Ann E. (LeBlanc) Earle, who passed away in 2001; his son, John A. Earle, in 1996, and his brother, Erwin "Butch" Earle.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. All in attendance are asked to report to cemetery on the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256, or DAV-Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Please reference in memory of Richard M. Earle Sr.