White River Junction, VT- Richard R. Woodward, Sr., 88, passed away Monday September 23, 2019 at the Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Springfield, VT.

He was born, February 23, 1931 in Hanover Center, NH a son of Raylon and Gertrude (Clugh)  Woodward. Richard attended the Pompanoosuc School in Norwich, and worked on the family farm as he was growing up.  After school he began working  at Trumbull Nelson's sawmill in Wilder, VT and was married to Laurette J. Vincent June 6, 1950 at St. Anthony's Church in White River Junction. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and upon his return went to work at the Hartford Woolen Mill and later at Britton's Lumber  in Norwich. He then worked for Charlie Kelton, on Hartford Avenue in White River Jct., where he worked for many years first as a mechanic then delivering Vermont Liquor.  In 1972 he went to work for the Hartford Highway Department where he worked until retiring in 1993.

After retiring the Woodwards enjoyed their golden years in Crestview, FL and enjoyed traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people. They returned to Vermont every summer and stayed on the hill next to their old home.  After fourteen years in Florida they returned to White River Junction to take care of their son Richard II in a time of need.

Mr. Woodward was a life member of American Legion Post 26 and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 2571 both in White River Jct. and while in Florida was a member of the Crestview Elks Lodge 2574.

Richard is predeceased by an infant son Richard Robert Woodward; a teen daughter Jeanne Woodward, a brother Robert, sisters, June, Polly, Florence and Virginia.

He is survived by his beloved wife Laurette of White River Junction, a son Richard Woodward II of Conyers, GA, two daughters Theresa Lund of Washington, VT and Violet Walsh of Summerville,  SC..

A private visitation will be held at the Knight Funeral Home on Thursday September 26th from 10 until 1030AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11AM at St. Anthony's Church in White River Jct., VT. Private committal services will be held at a later date in the Glenwood Cemetery in Lebanon.