Richard R. Nolette

May 12, 1942 - Nov. 7, 2008

Richard Roger Nolette of Napa passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 7. He was born in Saco, Maine, on May 12, 1942, the son of Ruth Flora and Robert Desire Nolette. He grew up in Saco and graduated in 1962 from Thornton Academy, where he was the captain of the football team. He also competed in track and field, where he was a state champion in throwing the javelin. As a young man, Richard was known for his physical prowess as well as his uncanny strength.

In 1964, he and his father moved to Napa and were followed shortly thereafter by his brother Phil and his mother. He worked at the old Sawyer's Tannery and recalled that "throwing hides" was hard work. However, Richard was never one to shy away from hard work. He soon followed his own father in working at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, where he started as a general laborer in 1965. He quickly worked his way up, first as an apprentice rigger, then as a journeyman, eventually moving to supervisor, and finally as a general foreman of Shop 72.

Always known as a hard worker, Richard led by example, he was never too proud to get his hands dirty. He was often known to join his younger employees "in the trenches," this even after he was promoted to an upper-management position as a general foreman. He always took great pride in doing things the right way and he cared for his employees as if they were his own family.

Also, during his time at Mare Island he was appointed as shop steward and as a union representative. In these capacities, he fought for worker's rights and developed an affinity for written arguments and the legal process. He fought tirelessly for employees rights and believed in always doing the next right thing. In this conviction he consistently distinguished himself through his actions and the way he lived his life. Richard possessed exceptional skill in manipulating the written word. His ability to articulate himself through sound, logical arguments was exceptional. Through this and a strong knowledge of the law, he as able to help many of his friends, family and co-workers with legal matters throughout his life. He was a solid man of integrity and he always enjoyed winning one for the little man.

Following his time at Mare Island, Richard began attending Napa Valley Junior College, where he earned his associate's degree. He thoroughly enjoyed himself as a student. He also enjoyed coaching the discus and the shot put for the local high schools. His hobbies included restoring old cars, including his Model A pickup and his 1950 Ford sedan. Later in life he took up riding a motorcycle and he enjoyed taking his bike for long rides along the coast. Other pastimes included photography, playing his guitars, camping, target shooting and fishing. He especially loved being near the ocean. And he loved his dogs. One of the oldest stories he told was about hunting in the snow with his favorite dog "Pooch" during his childhood in Saco, Maine.

Richard was a devoted family man. He took great pride in raising his two sons and in watching his grandson Michael grow up. In addition to being a loving father, Richard also held a very special, life-long love for his wife, Mary Katherine. Richard cared for his wife deeply and his family meant the world to him.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Mary Katherine Nolette; two sons, Richard Nolette Jr. and Michael Nolette; grandson, Michael Nolette Jr. Richard will be sorely missed but never forgotten. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

A memorial Mass will be held on a date and time to be determined at Saint John the Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa, CA 94559. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at Richard Pierce Funeral Service, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94559.

Friends are invited to attend. Family and friends may offer their condolences to the family online at www.rpfsc.com.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Napa Humane Society, 942 West Imola Ave., Napa, CA 94559 or to American Heart Association,

P.O. Box 844, Santa Rosa, CA 94502.