Roger J. Richard, 88, a long-time resident of Billerica died early Wednesday, September 2nd at Lowell General Hospital after a rolling vigil with many members of his close family. Roger was born on June 16, 1938, in North Minto, New Brunswick, Canada to parents Pierre and Domine Richard—being raised in a large family of mostly boys and two girls.
Roger grew up in Minto where he developed a strong work ethic, including working among the coal mines and at a hardware store during his youth. After graduating from Minto Memorial High School, his early career work was in banking in Moncton and Campbellton, New Brunswick. Like many in his family, Roger made the move to Waltham, Massachusetts in the early 1960s, eventually studying accounting and finance. He and his former wife (Anne-Arlene, deceased) raised four children in Billerica while he held various professional positions in accounting at several companies, including a long period at GCA in Burlington. Roger actively supported his children's activities while they grew up in Billerica, including girl and boy scouts, dance, cheerleading, and high school band and color guard. Roger also maintained a personal tax preparation business for many years, mostly serving friends and family.
Roger remained proud of his hometown of Minto with countless visits over the years for gatherings with his large family. After retirement, Roger returned to New Brunswick for several years residing near Lake George (Harvey) with his partner Ida Belliveau where he remained active, spending time chopping wood for winter, ice skating, and ATV riding among other pastimes.
Roger was a life-long athlete, with pursuits as varied as soccer, boxing, and ice hockey. As an adult, he was an avid runner maintaining an active lifestyle until a stroke at age 78 caused him to slow down. He then returned to Chelmsford and Billerica to be near his children.
As many who knew Roger can attest, he was a lifelong, devoted fan of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team first listening to games by radio as a youth, then rarely missing a televised game throughout adulthood. Roger had the especially good fortune to attend the final game of the 1993 Stanley Cup finals in the storied Montreal Forum where his beloved team won the championship.
Roger was pre-deceased by his cherished daughter, Tanya Richard, as well as a son-in-law, Timothy Ervin. He is survived by his loving children: son Craig Richard and daughter-in-law Julie, daughter Kristen MacDonald and son-in-law John, and daughter Rebecca Richard. Roger was especially proud of his grandchildren: Mark, Sarah, and Kate Richard and Ryan, Christopher, and Lauren Ervin.
Roger is also survived by siblings Ulysse, Joseph, Frederick, Rheal, Arthur, Ivan, Norman, and Linda along with many sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and numerous, nieces, nephews, and cousins with whom he maintained contact.
Roger was pre-deceased by siblings Levi, Gerard, Gerald, Aurele, Zoel, Jeanita, and Noel.
Family and friends are invited to a visit with his children and their families on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home in Lowell, MA with a memorial service at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to a reception at the VFW Post, 12 Phiney St., North Billerica, MA.