Richard A. Grimard

Richard A. Grimard 1922-2010 Springfield - Richard Arthur Grimard Sr., 87, a decorated veteran of World War II, died peacefully August 11, 2010 at Bay State Medical Center.  Mr. Grimard was born in Holyoke, a son of the late Arthur and Rose (Bourque) Grimard.  Raised and educated in Chicopee, he studied at the University of Minnesota.  Mr. Grimard served with the 100th Infantry Division in France, Central Europe, and Germany where his regiment, the 397th, was awarded the Presidential Citation for the capture of Heilbronn, Germany.  During his military career Mr. Grimard received numerous awards and citations, including the Bronze Star.  After his service in the war, Mr. Grimard married Alice Louise Misisco.  They settled in Springfield where he was employed as a tool and die maker for 38 years at the Moore Company.  He was also a member of Chicopee Lodge of Elks, BPOE 1849, and of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in East Springfield.  Mr. Grimard is survived by a son, Richard A. Grimard Jr. and his wife Dianne of Vacaville, CA; a daughter, Laura G. VanMourik of Annapolis, MD; three grandchildren: David VanMourik and his wife Jaime of Chevy Chase, MD, Amy VanMourik of Pasadena, MD, and Alan Grimard and his wife Catherine of Fairfield, CA.  His loving wife of 56 years, Alice, a brother, Roger, and sister, Janet, predeceased him.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 16, 2010 from the Tylunas Funeral Home 159 Broadway, Chicopee at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial in Mary, Mother of Hope Church, East Springfield, at 11:30 a.m.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Springfield.  A calling hour will be held on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.