Richard E. Denette

Richard E. Denette, 82, of Ludlow passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loyal dog Fi on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Son of the late Clarence and Edna (Driscoll) Denette, he was born in Holyoke on April 21, 1943. Richard attended Cathedral High School and was a graduate of the former Springfield Trade High School. Richard proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service Bulk Mail Center.

Richard was predeceased by his wife of 58 years Colette (Gregoire) Denette on April 28, 2025. He is survived by his children Denise Echols (David), Michelle Denette, Michael Denette (Kim) and Edward Denette (Amy). He also leaves his 14 grandchildren Lyndsay (Nick), Kylie (Tom), Cameron, Alexis (Eric), Dominique, Kayla (Caleb), Dylan (Jess), Austyn (Eylen), Haley (Jake), Paige (Justin), Mason, Juliana, Gabrielle (Christian) and Lilyana (Johnny); 7 great-grandchildren Sophia, Emilia, Henry, Tristan, Audrey, Melo and baby Florence who will soon join the family, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings; Catherine Paul and Christine Denette.

Rick was a proud Marine and a true Patriot at heart. He was a tough guy on the outside but a gentle man inside who loved to tell dad jokes and drink Coca-Cola.

His favorite pastimes were reading, playing cards, fishing and watching Westerns.
He enjoyed spending time with his family but most especially being with his loving wife and soul mate, Colette, who was waiting to hold hands with him for all of eternity.

Rest easy Marine, we’ll take it from here.

Visiting hours for Richard will be Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 10:30 AM-12:15 PM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall Street, Ludlow, MA. A funeral home service will follow at 12:15 PM. Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be at 2:00 PM at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Main St., Agawam, MA. Richard’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the Ludlow Veteran’s Center, 487 Holyoke St, Ludlow, MA 01056 or One Call Away Foundation, 104 South Ramah Circle, Agawam, MA 01001,