Dick VioletteRichard “Dick” Violette, Sr., 85, peacefully passed on October 17th in Delray Beach, Florida.

A man of unusually high integrity, Dick was equally engaging with an easy smile and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others. He was a loyal husband to his loving wife Beatrice for sixty-two years, a model father to his four beloved children, and ever-charming grandfather to his two beautiful grandchildren. Dick was a man of unwavering Catholic faith, a daily communicant, and a valuable participant in the church communities of St. Louis de France, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal in Hampton, New Hampshire, and most recently with St. Vincent Ferrer in Delray Beach, Florida.

Those who knew Dick knew well that, amongst his many activities in his community, he was especially passionate about contributing to and advocating for the Winter Special Olympics and the National Ski Patrol (NSP). From its nascent days at Bretton Woods in 1982, he nurtured the Special Olympics Ski Patrol into statewide, then national, and eventually international success. With the help and support of his many NSP friends, whose camaraderie he held dearly, the Special Olympics Ski Patrol participated in the 1989 Special Olympics Winter Games in Reno, Nevada, the Special Olympics World Games in Toronto, 1997, the National Ski Championship in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 1998, and the Special Olympics World Games in Anchorage, Alaska, 2001.

Dick continued his support of the Special Olympics Ski Patrol well into retirement. He took particular pride and joy in continuing to coach athlete and dear friend “Peter” for the New Hampshire State Winter Games.

Dick was born on March 2nd, 1929, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He is survived by his wife Beatrice of Boynton Beach, Florida, son Richard Violette, Jr., daughter Patrice Taylor and, son-in-law Dr. Percell Taylor, son Robert Violette and daughter-in-law Sandy  Violette and their children Alexandra and Michael, son Christopher Violette, sisters Mrs. Roger Petit, Mrs. Robert Lippe, Shirley Violette, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends – all of whom remain incredibly lucky and better for having been loved by him.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to any of the following:

For those who would like to send Bea a card:  Bea Violette, 12767 Hampton Lakes Circle, Boynton Beach, Florida  33436

“To say we have lost a Friend, and a Leader, is truly an understatement.
The DASH in Dick’s life was so full with amazing memories and accomplishments,
how blessed we are to have been a part of his DASH”