Mr. Richard Audette

Attleboro – Richard Audette, 90, of Attleboro passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Elia (Marasi) Audette.

Born on February 27, 1927 in Attleboro, MA, he was a son of the late Phillip and Bertha (Smith) Audette. Richard grew up in Attleboro and was a 1944 graduate of Attleboro High School. He then attended Wentworth Institute where he received an associate’s degree in Engineering. Richard later continued his education at Bryant University obtaining his Bachelor’s degree. He proudly served in the United States Army and was WWII veteran.

Richard worked at Texas Instruments as an engineer from 1956 until his retirement in 1988. During his time at TI, as a mechanical engineer, Richard had numerous patents. In 1969, Richard invented and developed the 7AM device. This low-cost motor protector was revolutionary for its time, and nearly fifty years later is still found in almost every mainstream consumer product. At its peak production in the Attleboro facility, one million units were manufactured per day.

While raising his family, Richard was a Boy Scout troupe leader and assistant hockey coach for Attleboro High School. He was a longtime communicate and liturgical reader at the former St. Joseph Church in Attleboro, and volunteered at the St. Josephs Food Cellar for many years. After his retirement from TI, Richard served on the Attleboro Building Commission where he was instrumental in numerous projects. This included the renovation of the Attleboro Public Library, as well as the construction of the city’s new public schools, and fire station.

Richard took great pride in the home that he built with his wife and where they shared their life together. He took meticulous care of their property and worked on many home-related projects. Even recent years, Richard designed a sound system, creating a space where he could enjoy listening to and sharing music, a passion that he developed at a young age.

Richard enjoyed the many trips he took with his wife to Europe and across the United States. But his greatest joy was spending time and sharing his life with the love of his life, Elia, family and dear friends.

He is survived by his four children, Mark Audette and his wife Sharon of Bridgewater, Larry Audette and his wife Jean of Haverhill, Lynn Ferragamo and her husband Mario of Attleboro and Ann Faris and her husband Peter of North Attleboro; his grandchildren, Michael and Kevin Audette, Christina and Julia Ferragamo and Rachel and Andrew Faris; also many nieces, nephews, dear friends and neighbors.

He was the brother of the late Doris Bellonzi, and Arthur, Edward and George Audette.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, June 7, from 4 -7 pm in the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck St. Attleboro.

A funeral will be conducted on Thursday, June 8 at 9 am from the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden St., Attleboro. Burial will follow in the St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Attleboro, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.