Richard A. Poirier

Dick was born April, 29, 1929, in Somerville, Massachusetts, the son of Alcide and Florence (Gaudet) Poirier. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 55 years, Alta (Hesselbrock) Poirier; brothers Gerard Poirier, Ernest Poirier and Roger Poirier; sisters-in-law Denyse Poirier, Betty Hesselbrock, Ida Poirier, and Nola Fagaly; and brother-in-law Ray Hesselbrock. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law Jan and Cliff Hurndon of Auburndale, Florida; son Rick Poirier of Somerville; son Jack Poirier of Franklin; daughter and son-in-law Joy and Neal Harris of Germantown; and daughter and son-in-law Mary Ann and Gary Recker of Germantown; grandchildren, Allyson (Brandon) Jenkins of Stuart, FL; Amy (Joel) Sanders of Grand Ledge, MI; Kylie Poirier of Botswana; Alex and Seth Poirier of Somerville; Nick and Natalie Poirier of Franklin; Clayton, Landon, Evan, Annemarie and Katilynn Harris of Germantown; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carl and Margie Hesselbrock of Okeana; sister-in-law Rita Vonderhaar of Camden; sister-in-law Ginny Poirier of Naples, Florida; brother and sister-in-law David and Nancy Poirier of Tucson, Arizona; and step-grandchildren Abbey and Garrett Recker of Middletown.

A graduate of Medford High School in Medford, Massachusetts, he went on to earn degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1950 and 1951, respectively. While at MIT, he played sousaphone for the ROTC band. Following graduation, he moved to Hamilton, Ohio, to work as a metallurgist with Black Clawson Company. He purchased A&B Foundry, Inc. in Franklin in 1956, an aluminum and bronze foundry he owned until 2005 when he retired. His technological advancements while at A&B received national recognition. In 2000, the American Foundry Society awarded him and his business partner Lenwood Ray the William Frishmuth Award. In 2010, the Foundry Educational Foundation honored him with the organization’s highest award, the Edward J. Walsh Award (given annually to the person who has given outstanding service over the years to FEF). His business was also honored locally; in 2003, the Franklin Chamber of Commerce recognized A&B Foundry as Business of the Year.

Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and volunteer. His quiet confidence, gentle strength and sly sense of humor were second to none. He was kind with a generous heart, making time for anyone who asked. He had a variety of hobbies, including gardening, photography, stamp-collecting, woodworking, traveling, fishing and bird-watching (even being a member for years of the Audubon Society). Dick was a member of St. Mary Church in Franklin and lived his faith in a quiet way. A hallmark of his life was to "give back" to those who helped him or could use help. He helped lead the drive for a library expansion in Franklin in the 1980s, and for several years he served on the Board of Junior Achievement in Middletown. On his children’s behalf, he served many years as a Band Booster and scout supporter. He used his foundry skills to make unique donated goods, such as commemorative trivets for the City of Franklin Bicentennial celebration in 1996 and snowflakes for St. Mary Church’s annual Christmas bazaar. In recent years, he volunteered tirelessly for Hannah’s Treasure Chest, a local organization that provides clothing, furniture and toys to children in need. He also took much joy in being part of St. Mary Church’s Wednesday Community Meal team, proud to hold the title of "Chief Pot Washer."

Decades ago, when a high school student asked Dick to describe interesting events from his life, in telling several stories he shared his philosophy: "My philosophy is to do as well as I can in any activity I’m in, whether it’s work or play. When opportunity knocks, at least open the door to see if it’s worthwhile. Sometimes we can’t hear the knocks; sometimes the knocks are faint; but the knocks on the door have been there and will continue to be there for those that wish to do something with their life." He lived out this philosophy well. His children take comfort that he heard the knock of his Savior and opened the door to Him in his life. And now he’s heard, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Franklin (1357 E. 2nd St.), and there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, at St. Mary Church of Franklin (115 S. Main St.). The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hannah’s Treasure Chest (124 Westpark Rd, Centerville, OH 45459, or online at hannahstreasure.org) or the St. Mary Church’s Wednesday Community Meal ministry (115 S. Main St., Franklin, OH 45005; make C/O St. Mary Church and designate "Wed. community meal" in the memo line).