Richard N. Frechette

Richard N. Frechette, 76, of Sanford, died August 19 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after a long illness.He was born in Sanford on November 24, 1936, the son of Ernest and Jeanne (Jalbert) Frechette. He attended St. Ignatius School and was a 1955 graduate of St. Ignatius High School.Upon graduating, he enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served on active duty and in the reserves for over 20 years. His ship was deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.He was employed for 19 years with General Electric in South Portland and then with Douglas Brothers in Portland, retiring in 1996. In his retirement, his first priority was his grandchildren.He was a very active communicant of St. Ignatius Church then St. Therse of Lisieux Parish. He and his wife were Eucharistic ministers, were involved with the RCIC program, the Catholics Can Always Come Home program and taught 7th grade religious education at St. Ignatius.Mr. Frechette was very involved with the Sanford Racing Pigeon Club for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion.Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Margaret (Lizotte) Frechette of Sanford, his daughter Diane Tapscott and her husband Nathan of Acton, son Michael Frechette of Sanford, brother Robert Frechette and his wife Mary Jane of Sanford, brother Donald Frechette and his wife Joyce of Sanford, grandsons Nicholas Tapscott of Shapleigh, Jonathan Tapscott of Acton, Michael Frechette, Jr. of Dover, NH, and several nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue, Sanford. Burial with military honors will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.