R. Richard Leroux, 88

Richard Leroux, 88, of Acworth, Ga., entered into eternal life on November 8, 2016. He will be remembered by family and friends as a man with strength of character and a kind heart, beloved by those lucky enough to have known him.
Born in Tupper Lake on March 23, 1928 he was the son of Rolland H. and Lillian K. Leroux. Richard was a graduate of Tupper Lake High School and a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Richard married Elizabeth Adele Root on September 5, 1954, at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake, and together they raised six children.
He started his professional career working with his father in the construction business, where he excelled as a master carpenter. Taking a sabbatical to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served and received an honorable discharge. Subsequently, he returned home to further his career in the commercial construction industry. He traveled across the country, managing large and complicated projects as a construction superintendent, and was revered by those who worked with him.
His colleagues had the utmost respect for his abilities and accomplishments, especially his ability to skillfully orchestrate the building process. He had a passion for mentoring young people around him, assisting them in their quest to become successful builders. Though he was focused and driven throughout his career, he was never too busy to put his work on hold to help a member of his team.
He passed on his exceptional skills to many, including two sons and a daughter, who followed him into the construction industry.
Richard and Elizabeth were active in the Catholic Church throughout their lives. Richard was very passionate about the right-to-life movement, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic education, singing in the church choir and traveling on mission trips to build homes for the needy.
They began traveling in the 1980s after Richard’s retirement, visiting Hawaii, Florida, the Holy Land and Rome. He enjoyed being a member of a barbershop quartet and choir for many years in many different locations.
Richard is survived by his six children: Larry and wife, Doreen, Acworth, Ga.; Mary Leroux Boggs, Acworth, Ga.; Patricia Leroux Proulx and husband Jim, Watertown, N.Y.; Claire Leroux Powers, Woodstock, Ga.; Joseph Leroux and wife, Patty, Acworth, Ga.; and Margaret Leroux Wagy and husband Marc, Dewitt, VA.
He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters Shirley Guay, Donna (Art) Carrow and Susan (Lee) Sabin; Uncle Robert (Betty) Woods; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife, Elizabeth, and his sister, Velma.