AUBURN - Richard "Dick" Berard, 76, died of Covid-19 on September 19, 2021.
He was born in Worcester, son of George and Frances Berard.
He is survived by his sons Richard Berard Jr. of Hawaii and David Berard and his wife Leeann of Leicester. Grampa Dick was adored by his grandchildren Matthew Cronican, Michael Berard, Nicole Berard, Christine Berard, Joshua Parella, Ashley Parella and Michelle Parella, who was like a daughter.
After high school he enlisted in the Army National Guard. Serving as a cook one day on August 2, 1965 a fire broke out in the kitchen. Specialist-4 Richard Berard who was outside of the building ran towards the flames only to see two fellow servicemen running from the building with their clothes afire. Specialist-4 Richard Berard extinguished the flames with his bare hands, ran into the building, found no one else and doused the flames with a fire extinguisher. He received burns on both hands and was awarded the Massachusetts Military Medal from then Massachusetts Governor John Volpe.
After the Army he recognized his God-given talent for helping people and began a long and successful career in sales and service, all the while making lifelong friendships which he treasured.
He retired in 2019 after almost 30 years of service with Mass Truck Refrigeration. Dick was devoted to helping. A member of the Auburn Kiwanis Club for 20 years and President from 2005 to 2007. Always a gentleman, always there for you. Dick donated monthly to charities like the American Red Cross and Wounded Warriors. He very much enjoyed passing the time with friends on the golf course despite this handicap. ”Mr Blue” was a very special man who will be missed but not forgotten.
Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.