Leo Gerard Richard Paradis

Alton, NH- Leo Gerard Richard Paradis passed away peacefully at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Friday, December 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on July 15, 1944, to Lucien F. Paradis and Laurette Paradis Stokes in Frenchville, Maine.

While on R & R from his service in Vietnam with the United States Air Force, Richard married Donna Millett of Groveland, MA at Fort DeRussy Chapel, Hawaii in 1969.

Richard was a hardworking, loving man who put the needs of his family first.  He was a longtime resident of Plaistow, NH and Danville, NH prior to moving to Alton Bay in 2005.

Although he had a very limited education, Richard was a genius with an engineer’s mind. Richard invented and manufactured the first mini grader in 1982.  This machine eliminated the need for hand-grading indoor projects that were too large for full-sized machines.  Richard owned and operated Precision Grading Company for 32 years.

After serving in the Air Force, Richard worked in the construction industry and joined The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 4.

Richard was a good friend. He was the neighborhood welder, kids bicycle fixer upper.  If someone had a mechanical problem, he could usually solve it.  If you needed a tool, he would have at least one that you could borrow.

Over the years, Richard’s favorite pastimes included: camping, hunting, snowmobiling, tinkering in his machine shop, and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. Richard would always top off his day with a glass of his favorite wine.

Richard is predeceased by his parents as well as brothers: Lucien Paradis, Jr.; Raymond Paradis; Normand Paradis; Maurice Paradis; and his sister Marie Claudette Byrnes.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Donna Millett Paradis of Alton, NH; Daughter and son-in-law Debra and Kenneth Venner of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; Daughter and son-in-law Dianna and John Purves, and grandson Ben Purves, of Rochester, NH; brother Joseph “Larry” Paradis of Ossipee, NH; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a Catholic Funeral Mass on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Katherine Drexel Parish, 40 Hidden Springs Road, Alton, NH. In keeping with Richard’s preferred style, casual attire for the funeral is suggested.

In lieu of flowers, The Paradis Family has requested that memorial donations be sent to Alton Fireman’s Association, 65 Frank C. Gilman Highway, Alton, NH  03809.