Dennis R.  Richard

INVERNESS, FL./ WALDEN, VT: Dennis Rock Richard,78, passed away peacefully in Inverness, F., on October 16,2023, with his family at his side.

He was born May 9,1945 in Hardwick, VT., to Rocky and Marie (Veilleux) Richard.  He was one of ten children.  He grew up in Walden and attended Star School, a one room schoolhouse in rural Walden.

At the age of 23, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served his country in Vietnam.                He was attached to the 173rd Airbourne Brigade with the 1st 50th Infantry. He returned home in 1969 after serving one year. He was awarded a purple heart, two Bronze Stars, as well as medals for sharpshooter, and distinguished service.  He later joined the Vermont Army National Guard and served several years.

On October 24,1970, he married Sylvia Brochu at Saint Michael's Church in Greensboro Bend. Within the first six years of their marriage, they had three children, Angeline, Dion, and Darren.

Over the course of his life, he held various jobs.  He did farm work, cleared ski areas in Colorado, worked for the forest service of Colorado, lineman work with several different companies, and then owned his own tree clearing business. Following retirement, Dennis and his wife Sylvia moved to Florida and eventually settled in Inverness.

His hobbies were hunting, gun collecting, and his motorcycle. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle across Vermont and New Hampshire and even attended Rolling Thunder in Washington DC.

Survivors include: his wife Sylvia and fur baby "Rosie", his daughter, Angeline (Richard) Clifford and husband John and children, Jade, Shalbee, Cullen, Ethan, and Aden. His son Dion and wife Maggie and children, Jakub, and Olivia. His son Darren and fiancée Teresa and son Dakota; four siblings, Julian and partner Lucille, Roseland, Rochelle, and husband Sid, and Renette; his uncle Wilfred Veilleux and wife Lucille; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is predeceased by his mother Marie, father Rocky, siblings: Lawrence, Henry, Alfred, Lionel, and Rolanda, and grand-daughter Dareena.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday July 18, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick.

A burial ceremony will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 1pm at Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, Vt.

Local arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com