Richard Andrew Lavoie

Richard Andrew Lavoie

Richard Andrew Lavoie was born on May 25, 1940, in Manchester, New Hampshire to Sylvia (Marcoux) Lavoie and Roger Lavoie. The second of three boys, Richard’s early life was shaped by resilience, family, and a spirit of adventure. After his parents divorced, his mother moved with the boys to Hartford, Connecticut, to be near her sister. At just four years old, Richard survived the tragic 1944 circus fire in Hartford – an experience that would become one of many defining moments in his remarkable life. He was raised in the Nelton Court housing projects, where his devoted mother worked as a waitress and kept the family strong. Richard spent his childhood in the care of Catholic nuns, served proudly as an altar boy, and formed the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance that would follow him throughout his life.

Sylvia later married Neal S. Dunham, and the family moved to Barre Vermont where Richard and his brothers, Gerald and Normand, thrived in both sports and side jobs during their teenage years. A baby sister, Cynthia, arrived during this time, and Richard proudly took on the role of big brother, often seen pushing her in a carriage and soaking in the attention at the football games. He graduated from Spaulding High School in 1959.

Shortly after, on December 7, 1959, Richard – known as “Dick” to many - enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. His technical skills and discipline earned him important assignments all over the world, including a post in Ankara Turkey. He was also a member of the Air Force pole vaulting team, until an injury sidelined him. Nonetheless, his miliary experience would set the stage for a career marked by excellence and service.

Following his honorable service, Richard began working for NASA as a Communications Specialist. While stationed in Washington, D.C., he met Linda Martignetti of Bethlehem NH, who was working for the Kennedy administration. They soon married, and Richard’s NASA duties brought them to Nigeria, where he played a key role during the Apollo missions. Most notable was his extraordinary work to assist the Apollo 13 mission return to Earth.

Richard was honored for his work at NASA and received the highly coveted Silver Snoopy Award. The NASA Silver Snoopy Award is a prestigious award presented by NASA astronauts to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to flight safety and mission success. Less than 1% of the space program workforce received it annually. 

Richard was known for his sharp intellect, problem solving skills, adventurous spirit, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. He never hesitated to travel great distances to support a loved one. He earned his pilot’s license and together with Linda they traveled widely in the four-seat Cessna, even volunteering for search and rescue flights down in Guaymas, Mexico.

Eventually, they settled in Tucson, Arizona, where they opened Desert Flower Ice Cream Creations, a beloved parlor that featured space-themed photography and memorabilia. After the shop closed due to rising competition, Richard transitioned into life insurance sales and started his own company, Centurion Insurance Marketing Corporation. During this time, Richard and Linda raised their two children, Janelle and Garret. The family enjoyed camping, sports, golfing, and travelling. A lifelong learner and independent thinker, Richard decided to build his own home In Tucson – doing much of the work himself and hiring local help. It was one of the many examples of his determination and skill. 

An animal lover throughout his life, Richard was never without a beloved dog or cat by his side. From tiny deer-like pets in Nigeria to raising Chow Chows in Tucson – including showing his sweet Kiya – animals brought him constant joy. He often shared tales of walking up to a deer in Vermont as a teen to win a dare. Later, he and Linda parted ways, and their marriage ended in divorce.

In time, Richard turned his attention to the stock market, becoming a licensed stockbroker. He founded Citadel Financial, which he managed for over 35 years, eventually operating from his home office. In 1994, he married Josephine “Josie” (Molina Vasquez), with whom he shared many happy years.

Among his most meaningful accomplishments was his role in helping locate and recover the remains of five U.S. servicemen missing in action in Vietnam. During a trip with two Air Force friends in December 2000, a Vietnamese woman approached him with information. Richard worked tirelessly to alert authorities and later returned to Da Nang to lead a U.S. Navy Intelligence Team to the site. His efforts were covered in the Arizona Daily Star and helped bring closure to the families of those lost in a 1967 Navy E-18 reconnaissance mission.

In his later years, Richard remained active and adventurous – skydiving in his 70s, traveling to over 70 countries, and always ready with a story to tell. Above all, he considered the MIA recovery work his proudest achievement.

Richard passed away peacefully at his home as he wished, with his family and beloved dog, Tikae, by his side. He had recently celebrated his 85th birthday at the VA hospital, where he had been receiving care for severe emphysema.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Josie Lavoie (2024), his cherished dog Lucy (2025), first wife Linda (Lavoie) Gawel, Mother Sylvia Dunham and Stepfather Neal Dunham, Father Roger Lavoie, brothers Normand and Gerald Lavoie, niece Kristina (Decker) Marcotte, and many more dear relatives and friends.

He is survived by his daughter Janelle Lavoie and partner Ray Purcell of Tucson, A; his son Garret Lavoie of Bowling Green, KY; his sister Cynthia (Dunham, Decker) Lawyer and brother-in-law Larry Lawyer of Bakersfield, VT; nephews and niece Normand Lavoie II, Blair Lavoie, Sonya Lavoie-Heldman, Jason Decker, Eric Decker; and step-niece and nephews Maria, Kevin, and Jeremy Lawyer. Richard also leaves behind Josie’s extended family, with whom he shared many joyful memories – ocean trips, family picnics, and restaurant outings.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the VA hospital staff, hospice caregivers, and special nurses who cared for Richard with compassion and dedication in his final days.

Richard lived an extraordinary life filled with service, love, curiosity, and a passion for doing what’s right. He will be remembered always as a brave veteran, devoted family man, and a true American original. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Mass will be held at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Barre, Vermont with committal the same day at Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery in Colchester, Vermont. Details to come.

In lieu flowers, please donate to one of Richard’s favorite causes, veterans, American heroes, and animals.

Homes for our troops:

https://www.hfotusa.org/?c_src=google_ads&c_src2=performance_max&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21517479547&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyViZgkhgE90Z1TZCur3hKwJ0WdnkwZgQrytLGD-xE_k9Ir-4UCaIlQIaAsasEALw_wcB

Tunnel to Towers Foundation:

https://t2t.org/donate/

Or your local Humane Society