Richard N. Gaitane

WEST BOYLSTON - Richard N. Gaitane, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Born in Worcester he was the son of the late George and Mary (Vangel) Gaitane of Korce Albania. Richard leaves his beloved wife of 52 years Marilyn (McLaughlin) married on May 9, 1971. They have resided in West Boylston, MA since 1972. He leaves 3 children; Richard of Worcester, MA, Matthew, Sr and his wife Amy (French) of Wareham, MA, 2 grandchildren Matthew Jr and Hailee, and daughter Amy of Randolph, NJ with grand-puppy Penny. Richard also leaves his sister Lorraine and her husband William Haddad, their daughter Mary and her husband Scott Harris with their daughter Madeline of Milton, MA, and other relatives and several close friends.

Richard was a family man of strong integrity and heart of gold. He was a devoted husband and father, loving Grandfather, caring brother, unwavering son and loyal friend. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, especially watching his grandson play baseball. He enjoyed walking and having coffee with his lifelong friends, and frequenting the casino as a master poker player. Richard was passionate about sports, especially the New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.

Richard took pride in teaching his sons and daughter baseball, basketball and football. He brought them to Woodland and Goodale Parks where he hit countless groundballs, fly balls and throwing so many pitches until his arm almost fell off. He coached his sons in baseball. He was the West Boylston Little League Coach leading championships in 1984 and 1985; West Boylston All Star Head Coach finishing 3rd in District 4 in 1986; Wachusett Babe Ruth State Coach winning the championships in 1988 and 1989, finishing 4th in the New England Regionals in 1988. For Richard, it wasn't about the wins and losses, it was about the kids. "Mr. Gaitane" touched so many people who still talk about how dedicated and caring he was and how much time he spent with the kids.

Richard graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester in 1956, then graduated from the New England School of Accounting in 1958. After his father's passing in 1963, Richard ran the family business, Lagrange Market, for twenty years. After selling the business, he went on to manage several small businesses in the Worcester area. He then began work in the Business Office of the Worcester Public Schools in 1986 where he handled payroll then promoted to Benefits Coordinator retiring in 2006. On June 28, 2006, Mayor Timothy P. Murray presented Richard with the Key to The City on the occasion of his retirement from the City of Worcester and "for his keen judgment in giving me my first job". Richard was a member of St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church and it's Sons of St. Mary. He was and will always be so loved and respected, forever living in our hearts. May his memory be eternal.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard's family on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9:30-11:00AM in St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester followed by a funeral Service at 11:00AM. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Philip G. Haddad, Jr of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, and Holden. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.