Richard E. LaCross

Richard E. “Dickie” LaCross, 77, of 10 Congress Street, Apt 207 died Monday 3/22/21 at the Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.  He was born in Greenfield on January 5, 1944, the son of Albert and Gertrude (Cavanaugh) LaCross.  He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1962.

Richard served in the National Guard.

Richard spent his working years at Northeast Utilities & ISO New England in West Springfield and later in Holyoke after ISO-New England built a new control room in the late 80s.  Richard was a System Operator in the control room at ISO-New England. He was responsible for dispatching electricity generation throughout New England to meet the ever changing load demand. He was also responsible for monitoring the bulk electric transmission lines in New England to maintain system reliability and to “keep the lights on” for all of New England rate payers.

After retirement from ISO-New England, Richard found himself in the mail room at Greenfield Savings Bank.  He so much loved this retirement activity for many years picking up and delivering the mail between all the bank branches daily. The mail room became his social outlet during the week meeting and making friends throughout the company.  He was awarded The President’s Award Committee of Greenfield Savings Bank in 2007 for his generosity with his time, his eagerness and overall willingness to help anyone at anytime.

Richard was involved with his children’s sports, including ice hockey and baseball throughout the 70s & 80s. He was an assistant coach for Locker Room of the Greenfield Minor League.  He attended many of grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the years.

He was board member and treasurer of the Franklin County Hockey Association (FCHA) during the late 70s/early 80s. As treasurer, Richard was involved with the creation of the “Snack Bar” at the Collins/Moylan Arena that became a source of revenue for FCHA. In the early days it was known for “Piggy’s Pizza.”

Richard was a member of the Greenfield Elk’s club, Richard headed up for many years the annual breakfast to support the Boston Children’s Hospital; the annual golf tournament to support the Jimmy Fund; and delivering turkeys throughout the community before Thanksgiving. 

Richard was an avid sports fan routing for Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, and UConn Women’s basketball. One of his memorable experiences was attending Jim Rice’s hall of fame induction ceremony with his sons in Cooperstown, NY in 2009.

Lastly, Richard was known as the life of the party at social events. To his children’s friends he was the fun dad who could light up the room and make people feel happy and comfortable. He was also a great dancer. He was voted “best dancer” for the GHS class of 1962.

Among his survivors, Richard leaves three sons, Richard LaCross and his wife Jennifer of Lunenburg, MA, Jeff LaCross and his wife Kelly of Rye, NH, and Erik LaCross and his wife Kristin of Cummington, MA; six grandchildren, Derek, Isabella, Tara, Kate, Cole and Ava LaCross; and a brother, Albert LaCross of Warwick, PA.

Funeral services and burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the David M. Petrin Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o of People’s United Bank, 45 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.  For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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