Richard "Ric" William Paquette's Obituary
RICHARD WILLIAM PAQUETTE
December 8, 1956 – February 8, 2026
The oldest of four sons born to Frank James and Beatrice Ann Paquette, Richard (Ric) was born at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi on December 8, 1956. Growing up in the Military he called many places home including Germany, Okinawa, Texas, California and New York.
Ric earned his B.S. degree from California State University at Fresno, a J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in Louisiana and an L.L.M. from Boston University. He met his wife of 37 years, Susan, at Loyola. They married in San Antonio, Texas in 1988 and lived in Houston where they were active parishioners for nearly twenty years at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community in Katy, Texas.
After retiring to Florida in 2007, Ric began teaching for Lake County Schools and loved it. He was an active parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mt. Dora for many years and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 10853.
He loved sports, especially NASCAR racing, baseball and football and was an avid reader. Ric was funny, kind, easy-going and very generous. Above all, he was a man of deep faith and was the best husband.
Though faced with numerous health challenges over many years, he never lost faith or hope. He possessed unmatched determination to overcome or accept whatever came his way, no matter how devastating, and was always more concerned about others than himself.
Ric is survived by his wife Susan, his brothers Bob Paquette (Dietrich) and Tony Paquette (Shirley), mother in law Constance Pfeifer, brothers in law Joe Pfeifer (Audrey) and Andrew Pfeifer (Barbara), sister in law Carmel DiCapua, as well as nephews Zach Paquette, David Paquette, JP Walsh (Natalie), Joe DiCapua, Andrew Pfeifer and nieces Jessica Paquette, Mary Devotie (Stuart), Elizabeth Pfeifer and Sarah Pfeifer. Preceding him in death are his parents and brother David Paquette.
No words can adequately describe just how deeply Ric will be missed by his family and friends and especially by his wife. There is consolation, however, in knowing he is home with our Lord and will be at peace for all eternity.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mt Dora, Florida on a date to be announced. Burial will take place in New York.
In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to one of the ministries at St. Patrick
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