You were a man of great wisdom and inspiration to thousands. You taught our nations youth the proper meaning of discipline and respect through admirable mentorship. I will forever remember your invaluable lessons and unforgettable moments in MCJROTC at Heritage 04-08. I greatly appreciate your service to this Country and my sincere condolences to your family.

MSgt. Duperior was a wonderful person. This man has brought so much love and happiness into so many lives. I am glad I got to know him and have him as a teacher. I will cherish the memories I have of you taking us on Color Guards, PT Competitions, and to San Diego. Continue to watch over us, you are now our beautiful angel. My condolences to your family and friends.

Brother, you accomplished so many things in your lifetime and you left your mark on this earth. I'm glad the last time you were here (SD) in January that we spent some time together.  Now you are joining family and friends in heaven.  May you rest in peace brother...

What a great neighbor when we all lived in San Diego.  Had the very best behaved kids in the neighborhood.  I cannot believe you were right down the road from us here in Austin.  You have left a legacy that will continue long after you're gone.     

Big brother, i always looked up to you,I tried to model my self after you, you were my hero,you did things the right way in life, I Am proud of you and proud to be your brother love you miss you

MSgt you came into our lives at a time when my Boys and I needed a friend and mentor most. We will never forget the wonderful times we shared. Staking wood for the Winter and doing the kids favorite thing raking leaves. You and Carlette took my Boys Zach and Chris and myself Iinto your home and always treated us  as your family. Thank You for all the goid times of doing HW to just sitting around your table. Our hearts are broken that you are gone but you will live on in Zach's and Chris's teaching and Love for Life.CatchYou Later. Love always Zach Chris Tammy Betterton

U will b missed MSgt Duperior. Thanks for being an awsum Senior Marine Instructor here at Laguna Acoma High School. Ill remember wen i 1st joined ROTC my freshmen year at da old high school. Jt seeing u walking in all fast n everybody all quiet standing thr at attention. N u lookn around wit ur glasses on, makn sure nobody talkn. U yelling "At Ease" wit ur deep Drill Instructor voice, then u taking attendence. Me im sittn there thinking... wht did i get myself into. Hahahaha. U will b missd for all da fun times we had here wit u frm Color Guards, Sword Details, Marine Corp Balls, Drills n End of the Year Inspections. Condolences to da family. Watch over ur family n us MSgt. Journey Well Sir... OORAH!!!

I was not in ROTC and I feel a little out of my depth here, however, I'd like to break the ice. I spent many, many lunches sitting at Gunny's desk talking to him and MSGT. I remember MSGT seeming intimidating to my little 8th-grade self, but as I got to know him, I found he was a wonderfully kind man with a lot of wisdom. I remember more than once thinking that he very much reminded me of a bulldog, himself. Stern and formidable, but loyal and loveable. It was obvious he cared about the students at our school and that made our students care about him in return.
When I learned of his passing, I felt it was important that his family know the impact he had on me. I also felt that his impact on me was relatively small compared with many of the others whose lives he touched.

MSgt Rick Duperior was a "Marines" Marine! As a Grunt in Vietnam he was a "tunnel rat" that single handedly took a flashlight and a 45 into small holes in the ground to clear tunnels of hidden enemy. He also was an advisor to South Vietnamese units and was a Purple Heart recipient for wounds in combat that took him over a year in various hospitals to recover from. He lived without complaint with the residual pain from those wounds the rest of his life. As a Marine Corps JROTC Instructor at three different High Schools over a 30 year period, he mentored countless hundreds of young Americans to become better citizens through personal example and tireless dedication. He was small of stature, but a giant among men. He will be missed! I turn down an empty glass to him and absent friends. Semper Fi

You were so handsome and young (18 year old Senior in Eagle Butte, SD).  Love & miss you brother.

You were always my favorite teacher, companion, friend. You taught me everything I know and your passing is so hard on all of us. I wish I could've known you better than half a year but I'm grateful I had you to teach me what I know to this day. Sir, thank you for not just keeping me under your care. But thank you for everyone you have taught and cared for. You will be deeply missed. I love you Msgt.

RIP Uncle Dick, you will not be forgotten. You will be hanging out with my dad I'm sure, joking around and laughing. And to Carlette, cousins Nicky, Jeanie, Linda, and the rest of the family - our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. My love to you. With love from Jenny, Tyler, Lola & Mia.

Rest In Peace "Top"!  You will be missed by all!!!

To be taught by this man was a great honor, he touched so many of us at HSHS. He will be truly missed. My condolenses to his family.

Condolence to the family. Msgt. Duperior was a great man, great role model, great teacher. He will be greatly missed. We all loved him deeply.

It breaks my heart that this amazing man has passed on but I know he's in a better place. He always gave his all through his service and amazing teaching. If you ever needed anything he would be there for you which is why everyone was there for him, if he ever needed anything done, we would all try our best to help and be there for him through moving stuff around his house, yard work, packing for the move, moving around his family, and school events. All the memories with this man will never fade along with all the trips we took for competitions. He was the best father I never really had, he treated everyone as if they were his own and helped a lot of people, including me. One last hand check and a hell of a motivation check! Gone but never forgotten Msgt. Rick Duperior. Semper Fi Devil Dog!!!

Here I go. MSgt Duperior always had faith in me and because of him I am the man I am today with out his influence I don't know what or where I would be. I didn't have any grandfathers growing up. But he was like one to me. Gone But Never Forgotten. I take with you all you taught and bestowed upon me in those short but amazing 4 years of Drill team. The world a lot less bright with out him. Rest easy Sir. Semper Fi Marine

Rest in peace, MSgt Richard "Top" Duperior. You taught and guided me and my siblings so much. You helped me through all 4 years of high school and after. You were my mentor that helped build a solid foundation for my own morals and values. You have served the world greatly and honestly and made an impact on so many lives. You will be missed.

I can't believe you're gone. You have have inspired so many people including myself. You always had a smile on your face. When I got that phone call my heart sank. You mean so much to me. You were like a dad to me. But I'm glad my daughter was able to meet you. My heart goes out to Carlette Duperior but know I love you and I'm here for you alway

My heart aches, the tears run non stop. Im sooo saddened to hear the loss of our dearest n closest friend Master Sargeant Rick Duperior has passed on. He meant so much to my family, bestfriends with my husband n I. He was like family to us. Spending many fun wonderful times together wen my sons were in ROTC in high school n after hours. You were such an inspiration to us all who you've touch lives with. All the laughs we shared, dinners, taking my husband with you to South Dakota n Virginia to help you move n build what you wanted him to make. Im sooo happy you n Carlette made it back to New Mexico for a last reunion with all ur friends n former students. My heart goes out to Carlette during this heart breaking tym. Keep watch over us brother Rick. You will be truely missed. RIP We love you with all our hearts

A Very Great Man has joined God yesterday. This man has been a great influence in so many peoples lives and has done so much for so many. He served his country for many years and continued to mold the minds of the future and made me the man I am today. This man will always be remembered as someone so wise and so loving. He made me want to become a United States Marine and face some of the very challenges he did because MSgt. Rick Duperior challenged me everyday to be better person. He was a great inspiration to us all and he will surely be missed. Thank you MSgt. Duperior I love and miss you.

Top was more than just my favorite teacher, he was like a father figure (to many) and one of the only men in my entire life that I've looked up to and respected. I enjoyed my years in HSHS ROTC with him! It was just 3 or 4 years ago I saw him at my daughters competition and was so happy to finally introduce her to the man who molded and scolded me. Very shocked and saddened for the family on his early departure. Rest In Paradise Top. We all love you. Semper Fi!

To Nicki, Genie and the entire family. I was absolutely crushed to learn of "Top's" death. I really have no words. The last time I was in touch with Top, he was in Lynchburg and announced his retirement. He was looking forward to retirement but, if I know him, he probably couldn't keep still even once he left Lynchburg. I am going to miss him so much. I can still hear him calling me now, "ARCHER!!! You better stop with this sappy stuff!", lol. Wow! Gonna really miss him.

MSgt  "Top" Duperior, was my MCJROTC instructor at Highland Springs. He taught me discipline, dedication and the burden of leadership. I was honored to have spent those years with him. He has made an impact that will continue his legacy for many years to come. My prayers are with Jeanie and Nicki as well as the entire family. Brookita R. Braxton 

This man is who made a lot of us who we are today and this man has always been there for anyone who was put in his path. As a father to a teacher and mentor he was one of the greatest men most of us will ever know. He was a great Marine and an even greater Man. He blessed us with his presence and as he may be gone physically spiritually and mental this man will beat on in all of us and will be there at the gates on guard as we each make our way to him. May his family and loved ones be at easy this man has given the world another reason to smile and another reason to keep pushing on. We love you and Semper Fidelis.

He was a great friend and fellow Marine.  He will be missed by all of the people he came in contact with throughout his life.
Dale Prondzinski (Fredericksburg, VA.)

He was a man of integrity and wisdom. A great teacher and friend. All his students love him!

I was a student of this wonderful man many years ago and he is by far the best teacher, friend, and father figure a person could ask for. It is so very sad to hear of his passing but I know as well as many others know that this great man well be up there looking over all of us. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family . SEMPER FI.

You will be very missed .. such a good man .  you always gave good advise . you will never be forgotten

He was my role model and biggest supporter. I wrote my college essay about him and how he touched all of his students lives. I'll always remember you. Semper Fi 

I will miss you. But you are watching over me now. I thank you and carlette for being there for me and making a huge difference in my life. Rah MSgt. Gone but never forgotten. 

This man here was the best adult person i have met in my entire life. The lessons he taught, the kindness he gave and the smile he brought into every room he stepped into will never be forgotten. He changed and touched not only my life but so many others. "Msgt!" As we all loved to call him at MCJROTC Heritage High School, will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered and carried in my heart for the rest of my life. When i had my own person struggles and he was always, always here and never more than a trip down to the classroom away. I will personally dearly miss him calling class to attention, and call me that one nickname me and my bestfriend deserved so very much. Fly high marine and rest is peace. SEMPER FIDELIS! 

This man helped me in so many ways. I learned how to be a leader to others,  learned to give respect,  learn to give back at others that need help.  I've learned how to be a better person. I will miss helping this man out with color guard for events or simply going to events and around his house.  I'm glad I was able to give back when he needed me.  He helped me with that hard times in high school.  I graduated with his help.  Cried so many times to him.  He even helped me build a relationship with a teacher who I didn't get along at the time.  I'll never forget this man who I think of as a hero and my role model. 
I love you,  Sir... 

Ricky, Rest in Peace with your brother-in-law Richard Bad Moccasin who always enjoyed your company. 

I will miss my big brother who touched so many lives. You are now our guardian angel looking over us. Thank you so much Carlette for taking care of my brother all these years.

MSgt. Duperior will always have a special place in my heart. Top looked out for me when I was a young Marine and he always made himself available to me while I was in the Marine Corps. In addition to this, he was a great mentor for me in MCJROTC program. It was an honor to have known him and his family. I will miss you my friend. Till Valhalla and Semper Fidelis!

Dear brother Rick, we lost a very special brother today.  You touched so many lives and the impact you had on so many of your students.  Now you are with your family and brother in-law Richard is there to meet you in heaven. You will be missed by all your relatives from South Dakota.  

I will miss you so much dad. I know you will be watching over all of us. You are now our guardian angel. RIP now, I love you so much ❤

He was a good friend and coworker at Heritage in Lynchburg.

I worked with the MSgt at Heritage in Lynchburg, he was first, last, and always, a Marine.

He was one of the best teacher/instructor that I had when I was in JrROTC at heritage high school he always had a good out look on things and if you ever had a problem you could always talk to him about them

Prayers to his family and friends he will be greatly missed my many! He was a wonderful person and great teacher to many including myself!

I worked with MSgt Duperior for 10 years.  We were a good team.  He was good to his students, but he didn't put up with any guff from them, either.  It is a real shock to hear of his passing, and I really feel for Nickey & Jeanie, who were my students.  Semper Fi, Rick!

Prayers going out to his family. He will be miss greatly, by everyone that he touched. He was a great person but also a great teacher.

Msgt the world is going to be a lot different for me without you being there to guide me.  You taught me everything I know today about the Marine Corps.  You taught me Drill knowledge how to be a leader.  But you also taught me how to be a man and to influence others.   Every person you met you had a influence on.  The World will have no better msgt then you ever were.  I promised you I would graduate high school and finish. Boot camp.  And I'm doing it for you. One last Motivation check and salute to you msgt 

I am so glad that you were apart of my life you were such a great mentor and you helped me alot I am going to miss you so much but you will always be in my heart I will never forget about you MSGT I Love You So much ❤-Calloway

Prayers for Carlette and the rest of the family MSGT taught all 4 of my kids in high school JROTC and made an impact on many more he will be greatly missed and his students are part of his great Legacy, and it will carry on for years to come, Maybe gone but never will be forgotten. Calvin Kee

OBITUARY

Richard Duperior

3 August, 1942 – 2 September, 2017

Colonial Funeral Home

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