NO.BROOKFIELD: Richard J. Grenier, 73, of Pine Rd., died Sunday, Sept. 28 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, surrounded by his family.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Virginia M. (Poland) Grenier, two sons Michael R. Grenier and his wife Judith of Palm Desert, CA, and Brian J. Grenier and his wife Jennifer of San Diego, CA, and a daughter Suzette A. Howland and her husband Robert of New Braintree, a brother Donald J. Grenier and his wife Andrea of Paxton, four grandchildren Edward and Woodrow Yeakel, Jamison and Kayli Howland, several nieces and nephews. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren who gave him many joyous moments.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of Willie O. and Evelyn M. (Simoneau) Grenier. Rich graduated from David Prouty High School in 1959, where he was a star pitcher of the baseball team and played on the basketball team that won the Clark University High School Tournament four years in a row. He also attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester.
He served his country for 8 years with the U.S. Air Force serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 American Legion in Spencer and No.Brookfield VFW Post 3439. He was a member of Christ Memorial Church in North Brookfield.
Golf was Rich’s passion and he enjoyed his weekly leagues at Bay Path Golf Course and Kettlebrook Golf Course where he was a member of the Kettle One League for many years. He was most proud of organizing the East Brookfield Little League in the late 1970s and co-spearheaded the renovation of Connie Mack field, and the creation of both the softball and Little League fields. He founded the Connie Mack All-Star Little League Tournament that is still being held each year in Sturbridge.
Rich was a production control assistant manager at Reed, Rolled Thread & Die Corp. in Holden for 20 years, retiring in 1999. However his favorite job was the ten years spent at Kettlebrook as starter and pro shop attendant.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 am. in Christ Memorial Church, 144 No. Main St., No. Brookfield. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church. Calling hours at the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer are Wednesday from 5 to 7p.m in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Richard Grenier Memorial Fund at Christ Memorial Church, P.O.Box 43, North Brookfield, MA 01535.