Richard Sirard

OXFORD - Richard P. Sirard, 76, of Pond Street, died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at Webster Manor Nursing Home in Webster, surrounded by his family. He passed away from Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce A. (Farrar) Sirard of Oxford; six children, Jean Thibodeau of Oxford, Peter Sirard and his wife Kathleen of Webster, Paul Sirard and his wife Cherie of Woodstock, CT, Joseph Sirard and his wife Lori of Santa Paula, CA, Stephen Sirard and his wife Maura of Oxford, and Thomas Sirard and his wife Karen of Whitinsville; a brother, Donald Sirard of Wilsonville, CT; eight grandchildren and several nieces. He was born in Franklin, NH, on April 9, 1934, the son of the late Armond and Victoria (Waltos) Sirard, and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. He graduated from Cole Trade School in Southbridge in 1952 and Worcester Junior College in 1954. Mr. Sirard and his partner Anthony Skamarock started T & D Specialties in 1973 in Oxford. Following Mr. Skamarock's passing in 1985, two of Mr. Sirard's sons joined the business which is active today. He was a highly talented and skilled tool and die maker and machinist. Among the things he made was a bale on the helmet of the astronaut suits used in the 1960's. He also made tools for the medical industry. He was a member of the Father Dennis J. Rocheford Knights of Columbus Council 4241 in Oxford and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Wright Assembly. Mr. Sirard was a volunteer for the Bandstand Committee, the 1872 District 8 Schoolhouse, and the Oxford Free Public Library. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, at St. Roch's Cemetery, Federal Hill Rd., Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Webster Manor Nursing Home, c/o the Activities Dept., 745 School St., Webster, MA 01570. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.