Richard Courville

Richard M. “Dick” Courville, 76, passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on August 31, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lois (Santangelo) Courville, and his two children, Christopher Courville and his wife Allison, and Sherry Palazzi and her husband David, and their two children Meadow and Liliana Palazzi. He is also survived by his sister Dianne Hannah and her husband Warren, his brother Robert Courville and his wife Amy, brother-in-law Ron Santangelo as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son Gregory, who passed in 2008, his parents Dr. Henry B. and Rita (DuFresne) Courville, and his brother-in-law Jack Santangelo.

A graduate of Leominster Trade School, Dick was a self-employed machinist and founded and operated CAM Tool in Leominster, MA., carving out a legacy of excellence and precision that served his clients and community for many years. 

Dick was not only a master machinist but also a revered hot rod builder and restorer. His outstanding work grabbed the spotlight earning him numerous best of show awards, a testament to his exceptional talent and eye for detail.

He was a proud member of the North County Street Rods Association and an avid participant at the Ty-Rods Car Club events. He enjoyed attending the many car shows with his wife, Lois. Dick had numerous friends among fellow enthusiasts and was well respected for his car restoration skills.  He was also a gifted craftsman in many construction and trade disciplines. 

Dick’s legacy is one of love, perseverance and creativity. His analytical approach to problem solving was balanced by his creative flair making him a unique and irreplaceable figure in the lives of all who knew him. The hot rods that rolled out of his garage were not just machines but rolling sculptures, monuments to his passion and dedication. 

Dick proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard where he dedicated many years of his life. 

He found great joy spending quality time with his family. Some of his most fond moments include spending the winters in Florida with his wife and combing the beaches collecting sharks teeth. He adored his granddaughters and shared many cherished moments with them, and he proudly accepted the title they gave him of “Gramps the Man.” 

As we mourn the loss of Dick, we also celebrate a life lived fully and with purpose. He has left an indelible mark on the world and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. 

Calling hours will be held from 5 - 7 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Holy Family of Nazareth, 750 Union St., Leominster, MA. Burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Leominster.  

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