In loving memory of

Richard A. Giguere
December 6, 2020

Richard A. Giguere, 67, of Cumberland, formerly of Woonsocket, died December 6, 2020 in Landmark Medical Center. He was the son of the late Sylvio and Barbara (Figuerido) Giguere.

Richard worked for the ARC of Northern Rhode Island for over 40 years. He also attended Seven Hills of RI, and Generations. He was very involved in the Special Olympics of RI. Rich enjoyed all sports and participated in many, including basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball and bowling. He also competed in several International Special Olympic Games that took him and his family to many great venues such as Notre Dame, LSU, Raleigh-Durham, and Minnesota. For many years, Richard enjoyed bowling on Sunday in the Paul Tardif, Sr. Good times With Friends League. He was an avid Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins fan. Right up there with watching those teams was Richards love for watching his nephew and nieces play soccer, hockey, basketball, and run track. You could often hear Richard asking the referee if he wanted his glasses after what Richard thought was a missed or bad call. Richard enjoyed singing, and had a great voice. He was especially knowledgeable about songs of the 40s and 50s from listening to the radio with his parents on their many Sunday drives and long road trips. He also had an incredible memory for actors and actresses who performed in movies and T V shows during the 50s and 60s. One of his greatest loves, though, was eating. He was blessed to have his Nana Figuerido, his Mom (Barbara) and his sister (Sandy), who made all the dishes he liked. He would often tell them when they put the plate in front of him that it was right up my alley. Richard also loved to travel which included many road trips with his Mom and Dad to Florida, North Adams, Milford, CT, and Cape Cod to visit family and friends. He prided himself in knowing the directions to all these places, and would sometimes alert his dad that he was taking a wrong turn. He also enjoyed attending USS Abner Read Naval reunions throughout the country with his parents. He looked forward to celebrating his Christmas Eve Birthday. He was sure to say, How did you know? when opening presents.

He leaves his sister, Sandra Garcia, and her husband, Gary, of Harrisville. He is also survived by his niece, Lori Bassett, and her husband, Robert, of Pascoag, RI., his nephew, Glen Garcia, of Spokane, WA and his great nephew, Zachary Bassett, and great nieces, Abigail and Morgan Bassett, of Pascoag, RI and great nephew, Ave Evans-Garcia, of Spokane, WA. Richard also is survived by his aunts, Dottie Force, Mary Langlois and Kate Giguere and his Uncle Bobby Figuerido and his wife Anna as well as many cousins. He will be sadly missed by the staff and friends at Bear Hill who were his second family.

His funeral will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in Holy Trinity Church, 1409 Park Ave., Woonsocket or may be viewed live at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/6372126 Private burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Bellingham, MA, and may be viewed live at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/41307699 Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Moran-Ventre Charitable Foundation, 200 Centerville Rd., Suite 1, Warwick, RI 02886.

Tributes

Roland Gauvin wrote on Dec 10, 2020:

"My sympathy goes out to Sandy and Gary and all of your family. I knew Richard for over fifty years. He was a good friend if my brothers Norman's and Dennis.He participated in many if the same things as my brothers from religious education with Father Sabourin and bowling on Sunday mornings at the Annex Lanes. I remember Richard when we started our swimming program at the YMCA he was an excellent swimmer he also excelled at skiing and other sports. He had an excellent sense of humor.He will be greatly missed. Carol and I will remember him in our prayers and cherish our memories him and your parents."

Christine (Marquis) Staples wrote on Dec 10, 2020:

"My Deepest Sympathy to Richards family, my brother Dave Marquis was in many Special Olympic events and bowled years ago with Richard. His obituary touched my heart, when you are blessed to know someone so pure and joyful that gift is a hard one to lose. May he be reunited with his Mom and Dad in glorious fashion. My familys sincerest sympathies to all who knew and loved him. May you all find comfort in the wonderful, funny and loving memories Richard left you with."

marisa abbruzzi wrote on Dec 10, 2020:

"Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was a very important part of the RICLAS family and was loved by all. He will be sadly missed. Bear Hill will NEVER be the same again without Richard there :( R.I.P my friend, you will never be forgotten!!!"

Mary Callahan Cimini wrote on Dec 9, 2020:

"My condolences to members of Richards family and those of his extended families at The ARC and Seven Hills. I have had the pleasure of knowing Richard and his family since the late 70s as a case manager, many many years ago. In recent years, I would literally run into him on my weekend runs through the South Main Street area and his family home. It was always a pleasure to see him and he would fill me in on all his adventures,including his Special Olympics adventures and his road trips with Syl.Richard was very loving and he was loved by his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Deborah Desrosiers wrote on Dec 9, 2020:

"Sandy & Gary...so sorry for your loss"

Kerry Rodriguez wrote on Dec 9, 2020:

"Sandy and Gary I am sorry for your loss. I will miss my friend Richard .He always made me laugh with a joke or a gesture..He brighten up my days and other peoples too. R.I.P. My friend."

Nicole Andrews wrote on Dec 9, 2020:

"Getting to see Richard at family events was always something I looked forward to as a child and as an adult. Conversations with him always made me smile. When Christmas Eves at Grampas ended one of my greater disappointments was not getting to see Richard on his birthday. Im so sorry for your loss Sandy and Gary. Your write up about his life is beautiful. You can tell how loved he was by so many."