Richard Allen McAllister

Richard Allen McAllister, Sr. (Mac), 77 of Winchendon, died March 2, 2024 at Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born on October 3, 1946 in Winchendon, the son of Freddie McAllister and Josephine (Mello) McAllister. He was the last born of 5 children.
Following graduation from Murdock High School in Winchendon in 1964, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam Era. He served the Town of Winchendon for 23 years as a member of the local Police Department, retiring in 1996.  Following his retirement, he worked part-time at Market Basket in Rindge.

As a member of the Freemasons for 25 years, he was past Master of Artisan Lodge, Winchendon, St. Paul Lodge, Gardner and Hope Lodge, Gardner.  Rick was also a past District Deputy of the 22nd Masonic District.  He was the proud recipient of the Joseph Warren Medal.  Rick was advisor & Chapter Dad of the Gardner Order of DeMolay.  He was also a member of Stiles Brook Lodge.

He enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, horseshoes and helping others.  He was very generous with his time and energy, he was a jokester and always had a joke to share.  He was very devoted to his family.

He leaves his wife of 54 years:  Michelle (Guertin) McAllister and their children:  Richard Jr. of Phillipston and Jenn; Holly McAllister of Templeton and Ron; four grandchildren:  Amanda LeRay, Kylee-ann McAllister, Kade Vautour and Kaleb Vautour. His brother:  Fred McAllister and wife Jeanne of Great Barrington and his sister: Marion Boutelle of Holden , along with many nieces and nephews, his brothers-in-law: John Nicholson of Bossier City, LA and Tony Lafreniere of Winchendon.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters: Louise Nicholson, Doris Lafreniere and Nancy Hemlin.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 10:30am - 1:30 pm in the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA.  A Graveside Service will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Gardner Order of DeMolay 42 Central Street, Gardner, MA  01440 or to the Veterans' Outreach Center 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA  01440.

to leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon has been entrusted with is service.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A, McQuaid, funeral directors.