Richard E Leufstedt Sr

Auburn- Richard E. "Dick" Leufstedt Sr, 67 of Auburn formerly of Hope Ave. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday September 6 , 2012 following a 10 year courageous battle with cancer . Richard is survived by his loving family; his wife of 46 years, Diane (Dalbec) Leufstedt; his two sons, Richard Leufstedt Jr. and his wife Cecile of Auburn; Patrick Goodwin and his wife, Audrey of Greenville S.C.; his two daughters, Catherine Dee and her companion Dennis Wright of Cornish ME , Michelle Zellmer and her husband Richard of Worcester; his two sisters, Patricia Leufstedt and her companion, Edmond St. Amand of Worcester and Eileen Korpi of Shrewsbury; A brother, David Leufstedt and his wife Michelle of Charlton; eight grandchildren he adored, Amanda, Lauren, Richie, Bryan, Mary, Tara, Charlie, and Joe; his mother in law, Gayle Dalbec; brothers and sisters in law, Dennis and Donna Dalbec , Ronald and Nancy Dalbec, Susan and James Rennie, Janine and Barry Beckwith, Ann-Marie and Darryl Svedberg; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Richard was born on August 30, 1945 in Worcester; he was the son of the late Ernest and Mary (McNamara) Leufstedt. Dick grew up in Worcester, graduated from Worcester Boys Trade in 1963. He then earned his bachelor's degree from Fitchburg State College, and his engineering degree from Worcester Junior College. Dick worked over 14 years for Norton Company, he then taught engineering for the City of Worcester at Worcester Vocational Technical High School, and worked 21 years at Noremac Mfg Corp of Westboro before retiring as Plant Manager. Most important in Dick's life was his family and serving his church. He was a member of the former Holy Name of Jesus Church, now Holy Family Parish at St Joseph Church, He taught CCD, was a Scout Leader, Eucharistic minister and parish council member. Dick and his wife volunteered numerous hours at the present Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies. He served many years as president of the Worcester chapter of the MDA Association. A member of the executive committee for Worcester Technical High School, the Worcester County Van Club and Boy Scouts of America. In the 1981 Richard was listed in the edition of "Outstanding Young Men of America" Notably, Richard also donated his time, delivering Holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas for the Bishop's Holiday celebrations. In fact; people often confused Dick for Santa. Dick was a lifelong camper and old car enthusiast enjoying Monster Trucks, Hot Rods and the Summer Nationals. A favorite quote of Dick's was "No one likes a complainer" Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Richard's family Sunday, September 9th from 3 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be celebrated Monday, September 10th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 am in Holy Family Parish, St Joseph Church, 35 Hamilton St. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Diocese of Worcester, Holy Name of Jesus House of Studies, 51 Illinois St Worcester 01609.