Richard P. Poirier

Richard P. "Gomer" Poirier, 83, a lifetime Lowell resident and longtime communicant of St. Michael Parish, passed away on February 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease.

He was the beloved husband of Bernadette (Teague) Poirier with whom he celebrated his 55 years of marriage this year.

Born in Lowell, MA on October 24, 1940, the son of the late Leo J. and the late Yvonne (Cambray) Poirier, he graduated from St. Jeanne D’ Arc School and St. Joseph High School in Lowell, MA.

Richard worked for Massachusetts Electric for 36 years.  He began his career as a groundman, meter reader working his way up to first class lineman.  He retired as a lineman crew leader in 1998.  While working for Massachusetts Electric, Richard was active member of his union, IBEW Local 326.  Richard served on the E-Board of First Choice Credit Union (formerly Lowell Electric Light Credit Union) for many years even after retirement.

Richard was known to be a generous and giving person by everyone who knew him and would donate his time to those in need.   After his retirement, Richard organized monthly meals for Lowell’s Veterans held at St. Michael’s School cafeteria.  Richard tirelessly made breakfast sandwiches, soups, his famous brownies and would go every morning on his deliveries to friends and family.  Richard made it his duty to help those less fortunate or anyone in need; delivering a warm meal, a kind word or a prayer card.  While the boys were in High School, the Poirier house was always open to whomever came through the door.  Richard made sure they stayed for supper or at the least made them some type of sandwich from whatever was available in the fridge.

Richard was a member of Saba’s Bowling League for over 50 years, Club Lafayette and the Lowell Elks.   Among his many interests, Richard enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, cooking, horseshoes, playing cards (45s), ROMEOs breakfast club (Retired Old Men Eating Out),  was an avid John Wayne fan, talking about antique cars (especially Dodge and Chrysler) and sports. While his sons were growing up, Richard enjoyed coaching his boys and their friends in the St. Michael baseball league.

Besides his beloved wife Bernadette, Richard is survived by six sons; Richard Poirier Jr and wife Stephanie of Lowell, Marc Poirier and his wife Sarim of Dracut, Keith Poirier and his wife Terri of Lowell, Greg Poirier and his wife Stamatia of Lowell, Michael Poirier and his wife April of Dracut and Brian Poirier of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, brother Roger Poirier of Fayetteville, GA and sister Pauline Bentley of Spokane, WA and many nieces and nephews. Twelve grandchildren; Alex, Tyler, Lauren, Benjamin, Matthew, Angelina, Gwen, Michael, Cole, Caiden, Andrew and Gabriella. Richard is also survived by his brother and sister in laws; Jerry and Jeannette McMeniman, Jeannine Teague.  In addition to family Richard is survived by childhood friends; Jean Marc Roy (Gino), Stephen McLaughlin, Jack Scott, Eddie Savage and Bobbie Vaillancourt.  Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brothers; Leo Poirier, George Poirier, Raymond Poirier, Roland Poirier and his sisters; Therese (Poirier) Bedell, Rita (Poirier) Welliver, Jeanne (Poirier) Wagner.

Relative's and friends are invited to Richard's Life Celebration in the McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home, 327 Hildreth Street from 4 until 8 PM on Thursday. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:30 AM in St. Michael Church, 12 6th Street, Lowell. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in Richard's name may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Fund, 125 Nashua St. Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.