Richard W. L’Esperance, 74, of Bourassa Avenue, Woonsocket, died on September 15, 2013 in The Friendly Home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Madeleine (Carolo) L’Esperance, to whom he was married for thirty years. He enjoyed their winter residence in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Born in Woonsocket and a lifelong resident, Richard was a son of the late Wilfred and Jeannette (Cadoret) L’Esperance.
Ricky was a Firefighter for the city of Woonsocket for twenty seven years, while also working as a bartender at the former Cocke N’Kettle and Vermette’s Restaurants. For twenty years he worked as a professional dress man for the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home. He was a member of the Woonsocket Elks, the Cercle Laurier and the International Firefighter’s Association. Richard also served eight years in the National Guard.
In addition to his wife Maddy, he is survived by two daughters, Sharon C. Allard of Arizona and Paula M. Budnick of Blackstone, two stepchildren, Alan Lefort of Florida and Michelle Wheeler of Warwick, three brothers, Paul H. L’Esperance of North Smithfield, Norman W. and Gerald P. L’Esperance, both of Woonsocket, two sisters, Lucille Langdon of Florida and Estelle Turgeon of Cumberland, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa A. Flynn.
His Funeral will be held on Friday, September 20th at 9:30AM from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 463 South Main Street, Woonsocket with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 in St. Joseph’s Church, Mendon Road, Woonsocket. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Fireman’s Relief Association, PO Box 395, Woonsocket, RI 02895 or Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd, E. Providence, RI. 02914.