Mr. Richard A. “Bear” Paquette, age 57, died Monday morning, Nov. 2, 2009, in the Fletcher Allen Health Care, following a severe heart attack. Richard was born in St. Albans, Dec. 3, 1951, son of the late James and Rachel (Gauthier) Paquette.

    He graduated from Bellows Free Academy and has been employed by the Milton Elementary School for several years. Bear was also a master steeplejack. Richard was a member of the National Education Association.  He enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing and loved his ’53 Chevy, which he restored to the original color of green.

    He was a loving father, grandfather, whose eyes lit up whenever he talked about Bryn and Mitchell. He was a man anyone would want for a friend.  Just ask and he would be there.

    He is survived by the love of his life and the mother of his children, Patricia Bailey of St. Albans; his daughters, Michelle (Bailey) and her husband, Brian Hanna, of Swanton, and Amber Paquette of St. Albans; grandchildren, Mitchell Hanna and Bryn Hanna, both of Swanton; his mother who raised him, Eva Paquette of St. Albans; brothers and sisters, James “Pete” Paquette of St. Albans, Pauline and her husband, Patrick Mears, of Fairfax, Francis Paquette of Highgate, Marie and her husband, Steve Ashline, of Alburgh, Edward Paquette of Richford, Bernard and his wife, Cathy “Fig” Blouin, of Franklin, Patrick Paquette of Highgate, Sally Constantine of St. Albans; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Nila Paquette.

    A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. in Holy Angels Church. Friends may call at the Brady & Levesque Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Interment will be in the Paquette/Bailey family lot in St. Albans Bay Cemetery. 

    Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Heart Association, 12 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vt. 05495.  Online condolences may be sent to Bear’s family by the funeral home Web site: www.bnlfh.com. 

    Arrangements are entrusted to the Brady & Levesque Funeral Home and Commemorative Services.