Leo E. Richard

Leo E. Richard, 97, formerly of Riverside, passed away peacefully Saturday. He was the beloved husband of the late Rose (Sarra) Richard.
Born in Central Falls, he was a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Fortier) Richard.
Mr. Richard, pharmacist, was the owner of Riverside Drug & Gift Shop for over 20 years. He was a former member of St. Charles Borromeo in Providence. He served honorably in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, flying 30 missions, including three on D-Day, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His greatest devotion was to our Lord and Blessed Mother. His life reflected that devotion by how he lived. His humble ways touched more lives than he ever knew. For 20 years he made Rosaries that were sent to missions throughout the world. He led saying the Rosary in nursing homes and visited the homeless shelters. His second greatest devotion was to Rose, his wife of 61 years and his children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and nature lover. His love will remain with us forever and we pray to continue his legacy.
He is survived by three children, Joseph Richard of Costa Rica, Mary Beth Buonanno of Riverside, and Terri (Jim) Hopkins of Wakefield; seven grandchildren, Derek Richard, Rebecca Buonnano, Ashley, Victoria, Tess, and Elizabeth Hopkins, and Nicky Buonanno; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janet Quinn of Peace Dale and Lillian Gaudette of Cumberland; and a brother, Albert Richard of Texas. He was the grandfather of the late Jessica Buonanno, and brother of the late Rose Wright, Aime, Wilfred, Arthur, Raymond, Joseph, and Albert Richard.
The funeral will be 9 a.m. Wednesday from the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett. Burial will follow in gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Visiting hours were Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Diocesan Council of Providence, PO Box 40605, Providence, RI 02904. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com.