Richard H. Vancelette, 81, of South Grafton, died July 3rd in UMass Hospital. His wife of 27 years, Betty (Kizer) Vancelette died in 1992; he is survived by his long time partner, Karen Howard of South Grafton; his son, David W. Vancelette of Aliso Veijo, CA, his daughter, Donna M. Kowszik and her husband, Curtis of Bennettsville, SC: two brothers, Stanley Vancelette and his wife, Irene of Amherst, NH and Donald Vancelette and his wife, Ann of Holiday, FL; three grandchildren, Alicia and Jessica Kowszik and Cassandra McLaurin, five great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Prefontaine,
He was born in Worcester, the son of Allston H. and Margaret M. (Keevan) Vancelette; and had served in the United States Army, He had worked as a machinist for Morgan Construction and retired from Wyman-Gordon's Grafton plant in 2002 after 20 years of service. He was a member of the Grafton Senior Center, enjoyed collecting baseball cards, visiting casino's and astronomy. In his earlier years he was an avid runner and enjoyed diving.
O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements, which are private.