Richard Norman St. Louis

Dick is survived by his wife Irene, and their three children Tracy Babcock (William Babcock) of Barrington, RI, Randy Deasy (Richard Deasy) of St. Simons Island, GA, and Wendy McKenzie. He was a beloved “Papa” to his five grandchildren; John Richard St. Louis, Margaux Finan, Shelby Blackley (Joshua Blackley), Lauren Deasy and Kelly Deasy.

“Dick” was born in Bristol, CT on August 1st, 1929. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Combat Engineer with the 7th Infantry Division, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion during the Korean War. During his time with the Army, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class, and received the honors of Company First Sergeant. He continued to serve his country for over ten years as the Commander of the Korean War Veterans of Northern Rhode Island, Chapter 3. He was appointed by the Governor of Rhode Island to serve on the Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs and was a member of the Disabled Veterans Association.

Dick apprenticed with Pratt and Whitney, later founding the Tool Sales and Abrasives of Smithfield, RI. Dick married his high school sweetheart Irene Shirley Lawrence in 1953, and together had three children Tracy, Randy and Wendy. They would have celebrated 69 years of marriage this year. Dick had a passion for the game of golf, was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan, and throughout his life supported the Providence College Friars Basketball team. Above all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time hosting “cook-outs'' around the backyard pool.

We will always remember him for his sage advice, “strong like bull.”

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 6th from 9:00-10:30 AM at Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home, 971 Branch Ave, Providence, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 55 Elmhurst Avenue, Providence, RI. Military Honors will be accorded following Mass. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s honor to the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 3, c/o Gloucester Senior Center, 1210 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814.