Decorated Fall River US Army Vietnam Veteran killed in Gabriel House fire remembered for resilience, unique sense of humor, storytelling

It is with both profound sorrow and a deep sense of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Richard Allan Rochon on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the tragic Gabriel House Fire in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Richard was born on June 26th, 1947, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Richard’s life was a canvas colored with vibrant strokes of love, resilience, and a unique sense of humor. As Picasso beautifully put it, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,”.

Richard was a US Army Vietnam Veteran where he served his country for several years. He was awarded the Vietnam Service medal and the National Defense medal.

After his time in the military Richard worked as maintenance and groundskeeper at Temple Beth El in Province, RI for many years. He was also a self-employed painter which he loved. One of Richard’s daughters fondest memories was when he taught them how to paint when they bought their home.

Rick was quite the storyteller. He would always surprise us with the things he could remember and the stories he told us. He had a contiguous laugh that could be recognized anywhere. He had a love for holidays and made his daughters wear the most ridiculous red velvet dresses for Christmas. He especially loved Halloween and Thanksgiving! He loved building props to transform our yard for the trick-or-treaters and made a mean bird for Thanksgiving! His true passions were racing, tinkering on cars, and fishing! If he wasn’t under the hood of a car, you could find him by a body of water with a fishing rod in his hand.

Richard is survived by his loving daughters, Diane Rochon of Maine, and Lisa Peterson and husband Scott, of New Hampshire. His grandchildren Scotty Rochon, Christopher Rochon, Brenda Noe, Alexandria Peltier, Jacob Peterson, and Hailey Peterson. He also leaves behind a brother Normand Rochon, two sisters Saundra and her husband Chris Sampson, and Judy Johnson and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Eunice Rochon. His daughter Tammy Tardiff, brother Paul Rochon, and sister Susan Pires.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 03:00 PM at the Southcoast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts.

This will be followed by a Presentation of United States Military Honors and a Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM at the same venue presided over by Chaplain and Life Celebrant Ines Bates, the United States Army, and Funeral Bag Pipes. We invite all those whose lives were touched by Richard to join us in commemorating his life.

His life was a masterpiece, and we are all the richer for having been a part of it.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes “Celebrating A Life Well Lived”