Obituary of Richard A. Bleau

RICHARD A. BLEAU JR. Latham- Richard A. Bleau, Jr., 69 of Latham, beloved husband of Diana Piroha Bleau, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany after complications from lupus and PML virus. Born in Troy, on October 13, 1948, he was the son of the late Richard A. and Betty (Nadeau) Bleau Sr. Richard was a 1967 graduate of Troy High School. He served during Vietnam War in the U.S. Army from May 1968 until May 1971 with a one year tour in Vietnam. Richard married his beloved Diana Piroha on May 7, 1972 and the two have shared a beautiful marriage of 46 years. Richard was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Powell & Minnock Brick Works in Ravena for many years prior to his retirement in 2004. He loved the time he spent with his family at their camp at Aqua Vista campground in Petersburg. While at the campground Richard loved helping others with repairs and building their camp decks. He was an avid NASCAR fan. One of his greatest joys in life was being with his grandson Hudson. Survivors in addition to his wife include his loving sons Jeffrey (Lauren) Bleau of Cohoes and Michael Bleau of Latham, his adored grandson Hudson Bleau, his sisters Clara Gierka of Hudson, Jean (Bob) Carter of Troy, Denise (Randy) Huffy of Latham and Theresa (Jay) Ruefle of Troy, his brother-in-law Peter (Dottie) Piroha of Latham and sister-in-law Teresa (Gordie) Hughes of Troy. Richard is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and his cat Macie. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Bleau and sister Nancy Bleau. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday August 13, 2018 at 10:00 am in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 2416 7th Avenue, Watervliet with Rev. Donald Rutherford officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday August 12, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment with full military honors will be in Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. The family would like to especially thank Richard's niece Audrey Hughes for her love, care and support during his illness. They would also like to thank the Renal Transplant and Physical Rehabilitation units at Albany Medical Center and the staff of Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital for all of their care. In lieu of flowers donations to the Community Hospice Foundation 310 South Manning Boulevard Albany, New York 12208 would be appreciated. For directions, information, to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.