Obituary for Leo “Uncle Buck” Walter Rich, Sr.
Essex Junction - Leo “Uncle Buck” Walter Rich, Sr., 76, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022 at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. He was born on October 18, 1945 in Burlington, son of the late Walter and Roxanne (Burnor) Rich. Leo was married for 51 years to Patricia “Pat” Marie (McGrath) Rich until her passing on February 9, 2022. Leo retired in 2010 from the South Burlington Street Department after 44 years of service. In addition, he proudly served with the South Burlington Fire Department for 16 years as one of their first firemen eventually becoming chief. A position he worked to at the Essex Junction Fire Department where he was a proud member for 44 years (lifetime member). During his tenure as a fireman he also taught several classes at the fire academy.
Leo was an avid hunter and fisherman. The day after hunting season ended, he was already planning the following year. Leo also enjoyed being with his family. He was always laughing, joking, and telling silly stories.
Leo was a people person. He loved people and had a very jovial spirit. He was a mentor to many people and had an uncanny ability to know when someone was down or struggling and would take that person under his wing and help them. Leo never met a stranger and had a unique talent for getting to know someone regardless of who they were and their walk in life. His love, advice, and sunny personality is a loss that everyone who knew him will dearly miss.
Leo is survived by his six children: Lois Goff and her husband Ronald of Essex Jct residing in Hawaii; Leo Rich Jr and his wife Michele of St. George; Ed Rich and his partner Amy of Winooski; Tina McGrath of Essex Jct; Timothy Rich and wife Karrie of Milton; Christopher Rich of Essex Jct., brother Richard Richards, two sisters Patricia “Teresa” and husband Sergeant Major Al Arellano, and Cheryl Rich, 16 grandchildren: Ron, Elizabeth, Josh, Patrick, Leo, Justin, Brian, Ashley, Allison, Alyssa, Alex, Heidi, Cassidy, Brayden, Ashlyn, & Kayleigh, many great grandchildren, 3 nieces Vicky Broe, Sandra Gilbeau, Deborah Fowler and her husband Leo, his nephews Leon Gilbeau, Steve Gilbeau, and Leo Gilbeau.
Leo was predeceased by close family members sister Phyllis Gilbeau, her husband Leon Gilbeau, nephews Randy Gilbeau and Michael Broe as well as several brothers and sisters.
A special thank you is extended to a special friend and loving caregiver Alexis DeCoste. The family would also like to thank Phil LaCroix for his unwavering friendship with Leo.
A very special thank you to the McClure Miller Respite House and their loving staff (Jennifer, Urai, Amy, Lisa, Jessica and many more). The love and devotion that they showed Leo is more than his family could have asked for.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday October 12, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 13, 2022 in the family lot in Sanders Corners Cemetery, Fairfax with Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. Memorial contributions in Leo’s memory may be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, Essex Junction or South Burlington Fire Departments. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
Leo was an avid hunter and fisherman. The day after hunting season ended, he was already planning the following year. Leo also enjoyed being with his family. He was always laughing, joking, and telling silly stories.
Leo was a people person. He loved people and had a very jovial spirit. He was a mentor to many people and had an uncanny ability to know when someone was down or struggling and would take that person under his wing and help them. Leo never met a stranger and had a unique talent for getting to know someone regardless of who they were and their walk in life. His love, advice, and sunny personality is a loss that everyone who knew him will dearly miss.
Leo is survived by his six children: Lois Goff and her husband Ronald of Essex Jct residing in Hawaii; Leo Rich Jr and his wife Michele of St. George; Ed Rich and his partner Amy of Winooski; Tina McGrath of Essex Jct; Timothy Rich and wife Karrie of Milton; Christopher Rich of Essex Jct., brother Richard Richards, two sisters Patricia “Teresa” and husband Sergeant Major Al Arellano, and Cheryl Rich, 16 grandchildren: Ron, Elizabeth, Josh, Patrick, Leo, Justin, Brian, Ashley, Allison, Alyssa, Alex, Heidi, Cassidy, Brayden, Ashlyn, & Kayleigh, many great grandchildren, 3 nieces Vicky Broe, Sandra Gilbeau, Deborah Fowler and her husband Leo, his nephews Leon Gilbeau, Steve Gilbeau, and Leo Gilbeau.
Leo was predeceased by close family members sister Phyllis Gilbeau, her husband Leon Gilbeau, nephews Randy Gilbeau and Michael Broe as well as several brothers and sisters.
A special thank you is extended to a special friend and loving caregiver Alexis DeCoste. The family would also like to thank Phil LaCroix for his unwavering friendship with Leo.
A very special thank you to the McClure Miller Respite House and their loving staff (Jennifer, Urai, Amy, Lisa, Jessica and many more). The love and devotion that they showed Leo is more than his family could have asked for.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday October 12, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 13, 2022 in the family lot in Sanders Corners Cemetery, Fairfax with Reverend Charles Ranges, S.S.E. Memorial contributions in Leo’s memory may be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, Essex Junction or South Burlington Fire Departments. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.