1944
Richard
2020
Richard H. Vachon
July 7, 1944 — February 17, 2020
A native of Bennington, Richard lived in the Syracuse, NY area for many years but returned to Bennington in 2003.
Richard received his education in Bennington. After having graduated from Bennington Catholic High School in 1962 he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. DD-850 from 1963-1967. After completing his enlistment, Richard graduated from Saint Joseph's Business College in 1970, later known as Southern Vermont College. While a student at SJC, he ran for class president, was appointed to chairman of activities, and created the SJC Hiking Club. SJC is also where he met his wife, Paula Ann Grover. They were subsequently married in October of 1970. Paula passed in 1988. Richard and Paula shared a great love and he remained a devoted and loving father to his daughter Rebecca for the rest of his life.
While employed at Anaran Microwave (Syracuse), Richard competed on the golf team, was captain of the bowling team, and for 17 years was the Anaran Santa. In his later years, Richard was employed at Walmart (Camillus, NY & Bennington, VT) where he was awarded Associate of the Month multiple times.
Six years ago Richard moved into the Vermont Veteran's Home. While there, he
made it his mission to lobby for and be the voice for helping his fellow residents. He was a people person and enjoyed bringing smiles of joy and comfort to those around him. As the Resident Council President (for multiple years) Richard was an active resident. Not only was he a member of the facility Germ Team and hand-washing advocate for several years, he organized resident (staff) talent shows, brought in entertainment, and organized a dance. One of his proudest moments was when he re-opened the VVH Merchandise Store. Via his efforts of running the store, the store was able to contribute to donations made by the VVH to the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless and to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Richard will be remembered as an avid fisherman, a NASCAR fan, and a supporter of the Syracuse Orangemen and New York Giants. He will also be remembered as a cancer fighter and survivor who was a regular attendant of the Relay for Life. He could proudly be seen there each year rounding the track with other survivors including his best friend of over 65 years, Larry Johnson.
Surviving are his daughter Rebecca Ruth (Vachon) Stuter and son- in- law Ronald Stuter of Harpursville, NY, brother Joseph Thomas (Kathleen) Vachon, sister Pamela Vachon-Duprea, brother-in-law, Stephen (Sue Ellen) Grover and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Paula Ann Grover, daughter-to-be, Chloe Mae, and his parents Richard Henry Vachon, Sr. and Mary Ruth (Holden) Vachon.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. from Four Chaplains All Faiths Chapel at the Vermont Veterans Home where the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered.
Friends may call at the Chapel on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Service.
Burial will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery.
Should friends desire memorial contributions in Richard Vachon's memory may be made to the Activities Fund at the Vermont Veterans Home through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard H. Vachon, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, February 22, 2020
10:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Four Chaplins All Faiths Chapel
Funeral
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Starts at 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Four Chaplins All Faiths Chapel
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