Obituary of Richard L. Provencher

CHANGE of DATE of SERVICE. Richard Provencher who died February 2. Will be rescheduled for Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, immediately followed by a reception at the Gaudreau's Function Center in Rogers. Richard (Dick) Provencher December 25, 1928 - February 2, 2013 Dayville - Richard Provencher, 84, of Dayville, passed over Saturday in the comfort of his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley (Zulkiewicz) Provencher (May 5, 2011). Dick and Shirley were married October 1st, 1953. He was born in Danielson, Ct, son of the late Thomas and Aurore (Marquis) Provencher. In his early teens Dick began work by delivering groceries at Meyers Market in Danielson, and eventually became the store's butcher. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Company C-169th Infantry, where he was fortunate to have been able to travel to Switzerland & Germany. Dick always said those were some of the best years of his life. He was a member of the Danielson Blackhawks football team. In December 1961 he purchased Dick's Esso in Attawaugen. In 1977 he moved the business to what is currently Dick's Dayville Garage in Dayville. Dick never cared to retire and continued to work at the garage until he was 82. Dick's passion was taking good care of his many loyal customers. Back in the day, he had a huge customer following and prided himself for being known as fair and honest. Using his knowledge and experience from Meyer's Market, in the early 1960's Dick had what was considered one of the first gas stations that doubled as a convenience store. He sold candy, snacks, ice cream, Stewart sandwiches, groceries, various sundries and even Christmas trees. Dick's Esso was "the" place to hang out for many young hot rodders and their muscle cars. Dick had a great sense of humor, and loved to play pranks on his employees as well as his customers. Dick enjoyed watching sports with his Boys, and cheering for his favorite teams the Patriots, Celtics & especially the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed arguing loudly and colorfully with the umpires & refs. Dick is survived by sons Richard (Ellen Marie) of Pomfret Center, Brian and Dale of Dayville; Kim (fiancée April Landry) of Grosvenordale. He was predeceased by siblings: Lillian Tomasik; Dolores Gluck; Doris Hopkins, Ernest Provencher. Family & Friends are invited to visit with Dick's family from 10:30am-12:30pm Sunday February 17th at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street Putnam, CT. Immediately following (doors open at 11am) please join us at Gaudreau's Auction Gallery & Function Center (formerly Saint Ignatius Church located in Rogers, Ct) 21 Williamsville Rd Dayville, Ct. There will be lunch as well as a celebration of life for both Dick & Shirley. A Mass with burial at St Joseph's Cemetery, Dayville will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dick's memory to Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut, 320 Pomfret St, Putnam, Ct 06260. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com