Richard Lee Guidry

Breaux Bridge - A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge at 10:30 am on Friday, August 16, 2024, for Richard Lee Guidry, 73, who passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at his residence after a brief battle against cancer.

The family requests that the visitation be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge on Thursday, August 15 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and continue on Friday at 7:30 am until 10:00 am.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on Thursday by his cousin, Deacon Dennis Landry. 

Fr. Garrett McIntyre will conduct the service assisted by Father Reed Bellingham. Burial will be in the Mausoleum at St. Bernard Cemetery #2.

Scripture readings will be read by Brenda L. Blanchard, Angela R. Hebert and Keith Simon.

Richard was born on September 28, 1950, to Dewey J. and Lillian Dupuis Guidry. He was a 1969 graduate of Breaux Bridge High School. Richard served his country in the Army National Guard, St. Martinville Medic Unit, from 1970-1976 and was a member of Parks American Legion Post 289.

Richard was employed for 38 years at South Central Bell / AT&T in various positions from installation to cable repair. He was always one of the first to volunteer for out of town disaster relief assistance work. He enjoyed the challenges of these assignments but also meeting co-workers, volunteers and others while on location out of town or out of state and remained in contact with many of them. After retiring in 2009, he returned as a contract worker for AT&T and added another 10 years to his career in telecommunications. He was a member of AT&T Pioneers. 

In 2004, Richard fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed 20 years of riding highways, back roads and attending various rallies meeting new friends and spending time with old ones. But, the highlight of his riding years was attending the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota 3 times; twice with classmate & close friend, Keith Simon.

Richard was a true Cajun - living & loving life to the fullest. He never missed a chance to speak Cajun French with anyone he met. True to his heritage, he loved family gatherings, always ready to stir a pot or light the pit. He was very proud of his outside kitchen-so many good times were enjoyed and memories made in that simple area he completed on his own.

Richard enjoyed daily trips to the gym for exercise (& socializing) and was affectionately nicknamed “Poppa Pump” by some of his workout buddies.

Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Terry Lyn LaLande Guidry; his daughters, Andrea G. Dupuis and husband Jason of St. Louis, Missouri and Melanie G. Latiolais and husband Adam of Breaux Bridge; granddaughters, Jenna and Elyse Latiolais and Sarah Dupuis. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary G. Robert, Leona G. Neuville and husband Darrell (Pookie), Diana G. Hulin and husband, Lynn, Charleen G. Champagne and husband Brent; sister-in-law, Nancy L. Camel and husband, Murray; aunt, Janice Melancon, uncle, Harris Landry; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Paul LaLande, Jr. and Evelyn LaLande Martin; his brothers-in-law, Roy Robert and Steven LaLande; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Jason Dupuis, Adam Latiolais, Murray Camel, Brent Champagne, Ken Guidry, and Randy Rees. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Adam and Andy Camel, Dan Neatherly, Dale Menard, Darrell and Glenn Landry, Bill Blodgett, and Raymond Dupont.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Acadiana.

Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge is in charge of arrangements.