Richard J. Coache

Richard J. Coache, 92, of Ludlow, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. Son of the late Antonio and Florence (Tremble) Coache, he was born in Springfield on May 3, 1931. After graduating from Cathedral High School, Richard proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the Intelligence Division of the Air Force. His role included serving as a language specialist during the Occupation of Germany and later with the 7373 Air Force Distribution in the Paris/Chateauroux area of France. He graduated from Western New England College with a degree in Law Enforcement. In Richard’s first years after the service, he worked for Monsanto for 20 years, as well as owning Coache Studio in Ludlow which photographed many weddings and political events in the early 60’s. He continued his love for photography, taking pictures of First Communions, Graduations and then moved into videography, until well into his 80’s. Richard then worked as the Postmaster in Enfield, CT and as a Deputy for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept. He also worked in Security at WNEC. Richard was a devout communicant of St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Ludlow where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish’s Social Committee , the League of the Sacred Heart and Knights of Columbus Council 3535.

Richard is survived by his son David Coache of Enfield, CT; his daughters Elaine Baillargeon and her husband Guy and Maureen Lauzon, both of Ludlow and his sister Lorraine Cave of Alamogordo, NM. He also leaves his 9 grandchildren Meghan Matczak (Chris), Joel Baillargeon (Clare), Daniel Coache (Bella), Jared Baillargeon, Mathew Baillargeon (Shannon), Kara Hover (Allen), Jessica Lauzon and Yvette Lauzon as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Richard also leaves his brother-in-law Kenneth Gauthier and his sister-in-law Joyce Coache. Sadly, he was predeceased by his wife Claire Coache in 2018, his son Paul Coache in 1994, his daughter Judy Coache in 1962 and his brother Norman Coache.

Funeral services for Richard will be Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall Street., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Parish. Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Monday, January 15, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 181 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA 01056 or the Community Survival Center, 240 Main St, Indian Orchard, MA 01151.