CHICOPEE – Richard M. Chartier, 92, a longtime resident of the Aldenville section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, July 17, 2016. He passed into Eternal Life at Willimansett Center West in Chicopee surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Holyoke on February 15, 1924, a beloved son of the late Eugene and Theodora (Gregoire) Chartier. He was raised in Chicopee, attended local schools and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and attained the rank of Gunner’s Mate Third Class. He received the American Theatre Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, he returned to Chicopee and was employed for many years by the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department before retiring in February of 2013. He was a member of the Aldenville American Legion Post 337 and a past member of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks 1849. He was a communicant of Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Aldenville where he served his Parish as a Collector and Usher. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Lucille R. “Lu” (Bibeau) Chartier. They were married on May 10, 1947 at the former Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in the Willimansett section of Chicopee and were blessed with over 64 years of happiness together. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his loving son, David R. Chartier who was Called Home on December 10, 1970; his loving son-in-law, Armand Douville who was Called Home on September 16, 2014; his three dear brothers, Roger, Roland and Maurice Chartier; and his two dear sisters, Naomi Chartier and Jeanne Archambault. He leaves his three loving children, Lynette R. Douville of East Longmeadow, Richard G. Chartier of Chicopee and Elizabeth L. Chartier of Deltona Beach, FL; his seven cherished grandchildren; his 12 cherished great-grandchildren; his dear sister-in-law, Jeanne Bibeau of Longmeadow; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Chartier and Bibeau families. His funeral will be held on Friday morning, July 22, 2016 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, 170 Pendexter Avenue, Chicopee, MA 01013. For more details, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com