Richard A. “Dick” Houle, Sr., passed away on February 19, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center, at the age of 97. He was born on Feb 24, 1927 in Chicopee, MA, the son of Victor and Annette (LeBlanc) Houle. He was a devoted family man and a loving, generous friend to all. His religion was a very important part of his life. Dick leaves his wife, Carol (Pierson) Houle, children Richard Houle Jr. and his partner Makell Crosby, Michael Heisler and his wife Kristen, Frank Heisler and his wife Lynn & Heidi Heisler, nine grandchildren & nine great-grandchildren and his sister Janine Ferriter plus several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Roger and Normand, his sister Florence Smith, and his son Matthew. Richard was a WWII veteran and retired from the Holyoke Gas & Electric Dept thirty-eight years ago. He was a gas fitter and worked hard installing water heaters and boilers, teaching his sons his craft. He enjoyed being called Pop. In his early years, he enjoyed politics, dancing, horse racing, Cadillacs, and of course, the beach. After retirement, he became a coupon king, always showing the great deals he made. He was well known in all the local stores. He also loved to tell jokes. You could often find him sitting on his swing on the front porch, enjoying the outdoors and his neighborhood. This led to a good relationship with “The Mailman”, Jeff. His Grandkids are Richard J Houle Sr, Stefani Heisler, Matthew Heisler, Brooke Leary-Heisler, Kenneth Heisler, Mitchell Heisler, Collin Heisler, Ashley Strandjord, Emily Neblett, His Great grandchildren are Richard John, Andrew, Alexia, Xavier, Isaiah, Jace, Mason, Oliver and Evelyn. The funeral will be held Thursday, February 27th at 11:00 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue. Burial will follow at Saint Rose de Lima Cemetery in Aldenville. Calling hours will be held Thursday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.