Richard George Paquette

Richard G. Paquette was born on May 24, 1953, to Urshline (Collins) and Edward Paquette in Lowell, MA — one of ten siblings including his twin sister. He passed away on July 12, 2026, in Surprise, AZ, spending his final moments in the hospital surrounded by family.

A proud patriot, Richard served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1986, where he earned his GED and advanced through the ranks of Sergeant and Staff Sergeant while fulfilling his duties as a fireman in the Fire Protection career field. He took great pride in his service and in the accomplishments he achieved throughout his military career. After leaving the Air Force, he returned home to work alongside his brothers in the family business, Paquette Paving. In the early 2000s, he became a business owner, opening a small Avon boutique in Downtown Lowell, MA.

While stationed in the Philippines, he met the love of his life, Virgenia. They married on October 8, 1975, and shared 50 years of standing by each other through every joy, challenge, and chapter life brought. Together they raised four daughters he deeply adored, proudly supporting them through every stage of life and celebrating their accomplishments.

The love he gave did not stop with his own family. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and friend — known to many as Dickie or Gumppy — but of all his titles, becoming a foster dad was the one he wholeheartedly honored and cherished. He opened his home to many young girls and boys, becoming not just a foster dad but genuinely embraced as “Dad.” He stepped into this role without hesitation and loved without condition, embracing and supporting each child as if they were his own.

Life’s hardships shaped him into someone who craved connection, love, and acknowledgment while remaining humble. In return, his strength and perseverance were unmatched. No matter how hard the fall or how great the sacrifice, he always got back up.

He valued people and the relationships he built throughout his life. He lived with a big heart and an even bigger presence. To him, life was a gift worth celebrating — cookouts, fires, gatherings with friends and family, and holiday traditions were moments he cherished. His presence filled a room long before his voice did. Whether speaking with a neighbor, a doctor, someone at the local coffee shop or grocery store, or even exchanging a few words at the gas pump, he had the ability to make people feel seen, valued, and welcomed, often turning strangers into family with nothing more than his kindness and compassion.

Richard loved deeply and lived loudly. His legacy is not measured in the number of years he lived , but in the number of lives he has impacted. He has truly earned his wings.

He is survived by his wife, Virgenia (Beato) Paquette; his daughters Rebecca (Eliezer) Martinez, Mary Eaton, Stephanie (Thomas) Costello, and Melissa (Jonathan) Rhinehart; eleven grandchildren — Iziah (Victoria), Chynna, Joshua (Bailey), Cierra (Ryan), Nathan, Christian, Michael, Sophia, Elias, Avianna, and Kaycee; four great grandchildren — Amiya, Masen, Myles, and Delilah; and his beloved pug and loyal sidekick, Butkiss.

He is also survived by his siblings Dolores (Kenneth) Brooks, Edward (Carol) Paquette, Karen (Daniel) Chapman, his twin sister Linda (David) O’Leary, John (Elaine) Paquette, Joanne (Harry) Shoemaker, Alfred (Tracy) Paquette, James Paquette, and several nieces and nephews.

As the family arranges to bring Richard’s ashes home to Massachusetts, services will be announced at a later date. We invite you to share your memories and photos, which bring comfort to our family during this difficult time.