Richard C. Bousquet, 65, formerly of Worcester, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at his home. Richard was born and raised in Worcester, the son of Paul C. and Phyllis M. (Nadeau) Bousquet and lived the last 12 years in Webster.

Richard was raised in the Burncoat section of the Worcester and graduated from Burncoat High School in 1968. After graduating high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country until 1971. While in the service, he served with the Company A, 4th Engineering Battalion in Vietnam. Richard worked for the Worcester Department of Public Works Water Department, retiring in 2009 as an Inspector Foreman. He belonged the American Legion Post 184 in Webster and the Disabled American Veterans.

He was an avid golfer, a seasoned opportunistic gambler, and enjoyed spending time in his backyard watching wildlife and the changing seasons. He spent many years with his wife, Nancy seasonally camping at Pine Acres in Oakham where they made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed fishing with his uncles and could be found preparing meals in his kitchen for any and all occasions that would bring him closer to his family and friends. He was a true Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan and even bet on Saturday’s Patriots playoff game against the Chiefs. In his younger years, Richard played softball on several local teams including the Blue Plate in Holden and the Massachusetts State Police.

Although challenged in his later years with illnesses related to his military service in Vietnam, Richard always remained optimistic and addressed every obstacle with a sense of pride and determination. He made friends where ever he went, and was recently coined “the Mayor of Sunny Ave.” He was proud of his children and grandchildren and will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Richard’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester for the care and compassion that they extended to him throughout the last several years.

He leaves his loving wife, Nancy J. (Wilson) Bousquet; two sons, Jeffrey R. and his wife, Suzie Bousquet of Springfield, VA and Major Lester S. and his wife, Dani Gebski of Bel Air, MD; two daughters, Leslie A. and her husband, Mark Brandli of Worcester and Noellen C. Bousquet of Webster; four brothers, Bruce P. and his wife, Lydia Bousquet of Princeton, Robert R. and his wife, Linda Bousquet of Charlton, Paul C. Bousquet, Jr. of Brookfield, and David J. and his wife, Lisa Bousquet of Spencer; two sisters, Suzanne M. and her husband, Paul Lamoureux and Denise P. and her husband, William Eressy all of Worcester; nine grandchildren; and a great grandchild. Besides his parents, Richard is predeceased by a brother, Edward F. Bousquet, whom he missed dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, January 19, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Wednesday, January 20, at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.