Richard E. Chevalier

MILLBURY – Richard Edward Chevalier, 92, passed away peacefully on October 13, leaving behind a legacy of a life well lived, marked by kindness, devotion, and love.

Born in Worcester to Ernest and Imelda (Smith) Chevalier, Richard grew up in a loving home filled with family, days spent at Lake Singletary, and the lively companionship of his three siblings. He was predeceased by his siblings Ernest Chevalier and Virginia Johnson.

Richard was also predeceased by his bride and the love of his life, his beautiful wife, Germaine (Auger) Chevalier, with whom he shared 61 wonderful years. Their life together was filled with love and laughter, pool parties, popcorn, cookouts, and plenty of exasperated “RICHARD!!” whenever he decided to do things his own way, despite Germaine’s protests.

Richard leaves behind his four beloved children: Ellen Calnan (Ron), Renee Nasuti (John), Leanne Mazeika (Michael), and Robert Chevalier (Maria Popek). His legacy continues through his 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis (Chevalier) McGovern, and her husband, Martin, along with many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Millbury High School, Class of 1953, Richard answered a call to religious life and entered St. Joseph’s Abbey in 1954 as a Trappist monk, taking the name Brother Clement. There, he embraced a contemplative life of prayer and work. Never one to sit still or remain quiet for long, even when his vocation called for it, Richard became Assistant Guest Master, welcoming religious dignitaries and devoted priests who came to study and pray.

He also worked in the preserve factory, helping make the Trappist preserves still proudly sold today. He lovingly tended the animals, made vestments, and devoutly sang at daily Vespers—although, because he was tone-deaf, he was eventually advised to simply hum along.

After eight years, Richard humbly came to feel that the world needed someone like him beyond the abbey walls. With a dispensation from Rome, he returned to the wider world, carrying with him a deep and abiding faith that would remain his foundation throughout his life.

Richard joined the family business, Chevalier Furniture, founded in 1935. Building upon the strong foundation established by his father and brother Ernest, he helped carry the business forward. Known as “Your Best Friend in the Furniture World,” Richard built lasting relationships with generations of families throughout Worcester County.

With the unwavering support of Germaine, Richard embarked on another adventure, founding Chevalier Associates, an advertising agency. Through this venture, he also developed the highly successful Original Wedding Expo and The Bride and Groom Magazine. Always at his best and happiest with family close by, Richard welcomed his daughter Renee and son Bob into the business, where they helped build upon his many successes.

Throughout his life, Richard remained steadfast in his Catholic faith, raising his four children in the Church. He was a longtime member of Assumption Parish and served as a Eucharistic minister, bringing the sacrament to elderly and homebound members of the community. He also participated actively in Marriage Encounter, continually honoring the commitment he made to Germaine on their wedding day.

One of Richard’s proudest moments came when he was given the opportunity to bring each of his grandchildren individually to the Spencer Abbey as part of their Confirmation preparation. It was a beautiful full-circle moment, allowing him to share with them a place and a faith that had shaped so much of his own life.

Above all, Richard was a family man. He was famous for his spontaneous pool parties, when his children’s friends would drop by with a cheerful “Hi, Mr. C!” before diving into the pool. So many summers revolved around the pool, the grill, the hot-air popcorn popper, and the hilarious splashes of water and waves of laughter that became the soundtrack of family life.

With the Red Sox playing on the radio, the family would gather to rake, plant, and weed the enormous garden together. The door to Richard’s home—and to his heart—was always open.

Richard lived without pretense. He was a humble and virtuous man who quietly lived his faith through kindness and compassion. Those who knew him described him as a caring presence and a protector—a fitting tribute to the man he was.

Richard was right: the world needed someone like him. How fortunate we are, as his family, to have lived in the brilliance of his love, to have been welcomed so fully into his heart, and to carry his faith, kindness, humor, and love forward in our own lives.

His legacy is not only in what he built or accomplished, but in the countless lives he touched and the love he leaves behind.

Richard’s funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 22nd at 11am in our Lady of Assumption Church, 12 Water St, in Millbury. A calling hour will precede the Mass, at the church, beginning at 9:45 to 10:45 am. Entombment will be held at Notre Dame Mausoleum, 162 Webster Street, in Worcester immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard's memory to St. Joseph’s Abbey Monastery, 167 N. Spencer Road, Spencer, MA 01562