HOLYOKE: Rodrigue (Rod) Richard 80 of Holyoke MA, gracefully passed away on Jan. 29, 2025 after a brief battle with leukemia. Born July 6, 1944 in Matane P.Q. Canada as the son of Albert and Cecile Richard. Rod lived a fruitful life mostly in Holyoke, MA. He is survived by his wife Diane Richard and his two sons Marc and his wife Kathleen of Milford, MA and Michael of Westfield, MA. Rod also leaves six grandchildren, Madeline, Samuel, Emily, Abigail, Lucas and Benjamin, all of whom lovingly referred to him as “Grandpapa”. Rod is also survived by six of his siblings : Louiselle, Ginette, Robert, Roger, Rejean and Danielle, as well as many nieces and nephews all of Canada. Rod was predeceased by two of his brothers Maurice and Michel. Rod emigrated to the United States in 1960 and graduated from Precious Blood HS in Holyoke before earning a Bachelor’s Degree for MacMurray College and a Master’s Degree from Assumption University. He spent his career teaching French and Spanish in the Longmeadow Public Schools; his engaging instruction left a lasting impact on so many students and colleagues. After retiring in 2003, Rod enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren. The Montreal Canadiens were Rod’s favorite sports team and he rooted for them with a fierce devotion. “GO HABS!!” There are no visitation hours. A celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to BreakthroughT1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation), St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Baystate Hospice.