Richard F. Turcotte

Richard F. Turcotte passed away on January 20, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 15, 1918 in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was known by family and friends as “Dickie”. In 1936, he was a semi-professional boxer in New York City earning over 80 welterweight titles with his swift left handed power punch. He retired from boxing in 1941 to marry Margaret Andria before honorably serving in the Air Force during WW II. He retired from Babcock & Wilcox with 37 years of service. After Margaret’s death in 1985, he married Dora Duke in 1992. Dick was a proud member of both the Houston Central Downtown Lions Club and the Victoria Lions Club. During his 65 years as a Lion, he worked to establish the Lighthouse for the Blind, the Houston Eye Bank and chaired the Houston Central Lions’ efforts for the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville; and was awarded the Melvin B. Jones Fellowship for his commitment. Dickie’s strongest belief was “that everyone should give something back, a part of themselves.”

Survivors include his daughters, Gail Turcotte Martin (Mike), of Victoria and Lynn Calnan, of Stafford; grandchildren also serving as pallbearers are Jason (Megan) Jaynes, Haley (Tyler) Revel, Ryan (Jamie) Jaynes, Crissa (Ron) Fontenot; also, Jeffrey Martin, Cory (Amanda) Calnan, Crissy (David) Daniel, Jason (Robin) Duke and 22 great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on January 23, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Victoria Lions Club.

Memorials donations may be made to the Texas Lions Camp.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com