Richard T. "Dick" LaPrade

Richard T. "Dick" LaPrade, 87, of Auburn, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center, with his loving family by his side.
He leaves his beloved wife of 68 years, Carol A. (Mantyla) LaPrade; their devoted daughter, Dawn Brick, of Houston, TX; granddaughters, Hilary Dalley and her husband Kevin, of Sugarland, TX, and Jessica Serafini and her husband Jeremy, of Kingwood, TX; great-grandchildren, Amanda, Audrey, and Madeline Dalley, and LJ and Jax Serafini; his siblings, Victor J. LaPrade, Jr. and his wife Helen, Joan Gilden, David LaPrade and his wife Kathy; many nieces and nephews; and his adoptive daughters, Cindybeth and Linee, who were an important part of his life. Dick also leaves his constant companion, Summer Dog. He was predeceased by his brother, Earl E. LaPrade and his wife Ruth.
Dick was born in Shrewsbury, to the late Victor J. LaPrade, Sr. and Mary (Wentworth) LaPrade. He had an extensive career in commercial construction, of over 30 years, and retired from the Auburn Housing Authority after 10, as Lead Maintenance.
Richard served on many boards and commissions in the Town of Auburn. He was also a lifetime member of the Auburn Democratic Town Committee, and was proud to be a 4th degree Knight in the Auburn Knights of Columbus.
In his free time, Dick loved puttering around the house and yard finding things to fix, and was obsessed with coin-collecting. His prized possessions were his Kennedy Half-Dollars. Dick loved sharing his passion and joy with others, and left an impact on everyone he met. To know him, was to love him – he will be remembered as a gentle, devoted, yet stubborn Frenchman, who was generous to a fault. Dick would do anything for anyone.
His family would like to sincerely thank VNA Hospice for their support and care, and thank the staff of UMASS 6 West, where Dick was lovingly cared for by Katherine, Shaun, and Jaz, his favorites.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606 (https://worcesterarl.org/donate/).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the LaPrade family from 3 – 6 PM on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at the funeral home. Burial will be held privately.