Richard Donald Courtemanche

October 19, 1939 - July 18, 2026

Richard Donald “Dick” Courtemanche of Tallahassee, Florida, and formerly from Parrish, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86.

Born to Theodore and Grace (Petrin) Courtemanche in Webster, Massachusetts, Dick grew up on Charlton Street in nearby Southbridge. At just three years old, he contracted polio, but he never allowed it to define him or limit his ambitions. He attended Catholic school and later graduated from Cole Trade School in 1958, where he played varsity baseball. While working full-time, he attended Worcester Junior College and later Western New England College at night, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1970.

Dick met the love of his life, Celine, at a St. Vincent’s Hospital dance where Celine was studying nursing. They married on September 8, 1962, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Southbridge, and built a beautiful life together, raising three sons: Richard Jr., Michael, and (a bit later on) Jonathan.

Dick’s career in the optical business began at American Optical in Southbridge where he worked as a draftsman and engineer until 1980. While in Southbridge, “Mr. C” was actively involved in the boys’ lives, coaching Little League, Babe Ruth, and parochial league basketball. He never missed a game for the boys, whether it was baseball, basketball, football, or soccer through their high school years. Dick was active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he co-chaired the 1975 June Bug Fair and Finance Committee, and later St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Southbridge.

In 1982, Dick, Celine, and Jonathan left the northeast, with Dick working for Coburn Optical in both Colonial Heights, Virginia, and Muskogee, Oklahoma, as an engineer and production manager. In 1987 Dick, Celine, and Jonathan joined Rick and Mike in Florida with Dick working for Essilor USA in St. Petersburg, Florida, in production and quality control. While there, Dick and Jonathan were teammates in a parent-child bowling league, winning many matches and one tournament.

In 1992, Dick took a leap of faith by accepting the position of President and General Manager of LensCrafters in Platteville, Wisconsin. Though moving to Wisconsin was a significant change, it became one of the happiest chapters of their lives. Dick and Celine built a wide circle of cherished friends, and he enjoyed golfing, bowling, and frequent trips to Madison to visit Jonathan at the University of Wisconsin, where they shared a love of theater and attended many student productions together.

In 2000, Dick and Celine returned to St. Petersburg where Dick rejoined Essilor prior to retirement. The highlight of that time was Dick being sent to consult at Essilor’s plants in France, where Dick and Celine spent 6 glorious weeks enjoying the Alsace-Lorraine countryside.

Dick retired in 2002 and settled with Celine at The Gardens in Parrish, where they spent nearly 24 wonderful years. Retirement suited him perfectly. He became a familiar face at golf cart parades, cruises, dances, musical performances, Tuesday morning coffee, Tuesday night bingo, and countless dinners with friends. Dick was active in the Palm Lake Social Club, where he served as President and Treasurer and coordinated the golf and bowling leagues. Dick spent many a Tuesday at the Morning Coffee and Tuesday Night Bingo. Every event gave Dick the opportunity to banter and joke with anyone and everyone. Friday evenings were filled with dinner for up to 30 of their closest friends, followed by desserts, coffee (or a favorite cocktail), and plenty of laughter. Sundays were reserved for church followed by brunch at one of their favorite restaurants, where he was fast friends with every owner and server. Dick and Celine also continued their appreciation of the theater, attending many plays at the Asolo Repertory Theater in Sarasota with Jonathan and Toby.

Although he eventually retired from bowling and golf in his late seventies, Dick continued his passion in woodworking. From his garage workshop, he handcrafted hundreds of wooden trucks and cars, giving nearly all of them away. His famous line when asked how much was “Grandkids don’t pay.” In retirement, Dick attended many Tampa Bay Ray baseball games at “The Trop” and spent many an evening watching the Rays on TV until his death. Dick was also proud of his granddogs Henry and Bess, who he dog-sat many times. He spent the final months of his life spoiling his granddog Fenway with treats he kept next to him.

Dick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Celine; his sons Rick (Pam) Courtemanche, Mike Courtemanche, and Jonathan (Toby Guinn) Courtemanche; his grandchildren Adam, Brenna, Carter, Corey, Noah and Zachery; great-granddaughters Bowie and Olivia; sister Pauline (Paul) Desroches, brother Bobby (Bernice) Courtemanche, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Grace; his sister Yvette Bernard; and his grandson, Austin.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, unwavering faith, and unconditional love for his family and friends. He never met a stranger, always had a joke ready, and found genuine joy in making others smile. Whether coaching Little League, cheering from the stands, sharing stories over coffee, or crafting toys for children, Dick made every person he met feel welcome and valued. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and Pépère, a loyal friend, and, above all, a genuinely good man. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St.Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org), Sleep in Heavenly Peace Tallahassee Chapter (https://shpbeds.org/donate/) or Good Shepherd Catholic Church’s building fund (https://goodshepherdparish.org/pledge).

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 11:00 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Florida, with a reception following in the parish hall.