Richard Paul Levesque, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2026, with his beloved wife of 56 years, Ellen, by his side. He departed on the first day of spring, a fitting moment for a man who found deep joy in nature and took great pride in tending the plantings around the home he built and lovingly called his “estate.”

Richard was often found sitting outdoors, contentedly observing the birds, squirrels, deer, and wildlife that shared his space. His appreciation for the natural world was a defining part of who he was.

Born on September 3, 1936, to Loretta (Potvin) and Aime Levesque, Richard grew up in Central Falls, Rhode Island. French was his first language, and he carried a deep pride in his French Canadian heritage throughout his life, passing down traditions such as making pork pies each Christmas Eve.

At 17, Richard entered the seminary at Warwick Neck, Rhode Island, beginning a path that would lead him to serve as a Roman Catholic priest for eight years. His studies took him abroad to St. Brieuc, France, where he spent four years and developed a lifelong passion for skiing. He shared this love enthusiastically with his five children, all of whom became skilled skiers and cherished time on the slopes with their father. Family memories include watching him glide down trails with effortless style, arms aloft in a signature flair of the 1970s.

Richard’s love of skiing took him across the world, from the Alps of Switzerland, France, Austria, and Germany to his favorite powder runs in Hokkaido, Japan, shared with his daughter Aimee. Closer to home, he passed his passion on to his grandchildren, including teaching his grandson Connor to ski at Okemo, creating moments that will be treasured for generations.

A dedicated educator, Richard had an exceptional work ethic and a deep love of teaching. As a young priest, he coached and taught CYO baseball, softball, basketball, and religious education, and was an early advocate for girls’ participation in sports during the 1960s. He went on to teach high school languages for 30 years, sharing his knowledge of French, Latin, and Spanish at Wilmington High School, East Greenwich High School, Bellows Falls Union High School, and Oak Meadow School. He was a beloved teacher who inspired countless students and continued teaching well into his later years.

His love of language endured through weekly French lessons with his granddaughter Sophie, with whom he read and discussed literature, including The Little Prince and The Diary of Anne Frank, entirely in French. These moments reflected his lifelong passion for learning and connection.

Richard was also a skilled craftsman who built eight homes over his lifetime. He shared this passion with his grandson Kevin, inspiring him to pursue a future in construction, a legacy Richard held with great pride.

Together, Richard and Ellen raised five children, Andy, Ryan, Steve, Aimee, and Tim; instilling in them a love of travel, language, and the outdoors. Family trips included visits to Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Montreal, and Quebec City, as well as camping adventures and travels to the Dominican Republic. One particularly memorable trip involved camping in Vermont, where Richard insisted on digging trenches around the tents rather than concede to the rain.

Richard’s devotion to his family was unwavering. He rarely missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren, whether watching William play soccer or viewing videos of James competing at an elite level. He delighted in skiing with his children and grandchildren and encouraged them always to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence.

Above all, Richard shared an extraordinary partnership with his wife, Ellen. Their 56 years together were filled with love, devotion, laughter, and playful moments, especially her annual April Fools’ Day pranks, which never failed to surprise him.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Ellen; his five children, Andy, Ryan, Steve, Aimee, and Tim; and his cherished grandchildren, Sophie, James, Kevin, William, and Connor, all of whom adored their “Papa.”

Richard is also survived by his sister and her husband in Rhode Island; many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his sisters- and brothers-in-law; his special daughters-in-law; and many dear friends. He will be remembered for his warm smile, love of laughter, meaningful conversations, deep spirituality, and fondness for apple cider donuts from the Putney General Store and apple pie from Green Mountain Orchard in Putney, Vermont.

He lived a full and honorable life, leaving behind a legacy of love, curiosity, craftsmanship, and quiet joy in life’s simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Road (Route 30), Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, Inc., P.O. Box 1945, Brattleboro, VT 05302.

A service for Richard will be held on April 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Bradley Avenue in Brattleboro, Vermont, followed by a Celebration of Life in the church hall. All are welcome.