Obituary of Richard J. Piche`

Richard J. Piche`, age 79 of Ransomville NY, died Thursday December 1, 2011 under the loving care of his daughter and Niagara Hospice in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport. Richard was born September 18, 1932 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late George W. and Mildred (Garvey) Piche`. He was a1951 graduate of LaSalle High School, and had attended Trott Vocational High School where he learned to be a millwright. Richard was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. He served from Dec. 1952 to his honorable discharge as a T Sgt. In October of 1954. He served with the 10th engineer Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division and the 179th Battalion of the 45th Infantry Division, as a Combat Medic. He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal, the Combat Medal Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. On October 1, 1955 he married Carol J. (Duttry) Piche. ` They lived in Lewiston from 1962 to 1976 when they moved to Ransomville. Carol predeceased him on May 15, 1994. Richard had worked at Kimberly Clark for 21 years then from 1971 to 1996 he was employed as a Millwright by Harrison Radiator Division of GM in Lockport. He was a member of LaSalle Griffen Post #917 V.F.W in Niagara Falls, an Exempt member of the Lewiston Vol. Fire Co. #1, and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He was a former member of the LaSalle Sportsman Club and a former member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Richard enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his children, Brenda Piche` High of Lockport, Debra Jean (Jeff) Ayers of East Amherst, Michael J. Piche`, and Christina J. Luick of South Wales, NY; his grandchildren, Heather Steiner, Stephanie Coder, Taylor High, Corraine and Wesley Adamski, Jacob, Jessie, and Kasey Luick; a great grandson, Luke Thomas Steiner; three sisters, Shirley Daniels of North Tonawanda, Carol Bloom of Watertown, MN, and Phyliss Hailey of Niagara Falls; a dear friend, Mary Schultz; and his beloved dog, Jane. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Piche` and his longtime companion, Mary Jane Stolzenberg. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Sunday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 5, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Moran officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094