Obituary of Richard Mathieu

Webster -Richard "Cliff"Mathieu died peacefully July 5,2012 surrounded by his family At Matulaitis nursing home the age 94. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 37 years Emily Helen (Ryznal) who passed away in 1978. May Pepere rest in peace and spend forever with his angel Emily. He leaves his wife of 24 years, Exilda "Babe" Robitaille Mathieu. A daughter Carol Labonte and her husband Paul of North Fort Myers, Florida. A son Ronald Mathieu and his wife Marilyn of Webster, Ma. He also leaves three grandchildren: Michelle Lavallee and her friend Cheryl of Auburn, Ma. A grandson Michael Lavallee and his wife Kelly of Fort Mill, SC. A grandson Richard Mathieu and his wife Anna of North Grosv, CT., He leaves three great grandchildren Abigail, KK and Tia Lavallee of Fort Mill, SC and many nieces and nephews. He was born in Oxford, Mass the son of the late Hermidas and Odina (Richards) Mathieu. He was predeceased by 4 brothers Edmond, Elzear, Homer & Leon and three sisters Rose, Ida, Loretta.In high school Richard (Cliff) was on the track team. He worked in a grocery store for 4 years and then owned and operated a small grocery store on Lake Street for 11 years. He and his family also ran the concession stand for 1 year at Webster Memorial Beach. From 1956 to 1969 he worked for Progressive Tool and Die as a machinist in West Boylston. Then he worked for L & J of New England as an Eletro-Coating operator where he retired from in 1983. Richard (Cliff) enjoyed collecting coins. And he loved to sing but silently. He loved the big bands, jazz & catholic music, especially Rock of Ages! He also enjoyed playing cards & going to bingo! He also enjoyed working outside in his yard Every year him and Emily took their 3 grandchildren to the Cape for a family vacation. He continued the family vacations even after Emily passed away. He enjoyed traveling through the Eastern United States and the Provinces of Canada and Hawaii. Pepere really enjoyed the last couple of years of his life making new friends & going to a lot of activities @ Regency Heights! His family would like to thank Regency and Matulaitis for taking excellent care of him! He also enjoyed going out with Cheryl & Michelle for rides, especially to Hanks for chowder & fritters! He also was the best Pepere any grandchild could ever ask for; just ask the bossy one "Michelle"! Calling hours will be held at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel 33 Schofield Ave. Dudley, Ma on Monday July 9th from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday July 10th at 10 AM in St. Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472 or the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, P.O. Box 356 North Oxford, MA 01537.