Condolence: To the Family of Richard M. Bellemare, Lt. Shea VFW Auxiliary to VFW Post 201 of Waterbury, Ct. want you to know that your loved one is in our thoughts and prayers. We thank him for his service. Betty Fries, President

Condolence: I wish I had been a better friend. I wish I had given you what you gave me. I was selfish and now you're gone. Me, I am left feeling sad, helpless, and a whole lot guilty. All the memories that are flooding my brain.... Of a time when you were happier.... When we all were. I am so so sorry, I know it's too late, and I know you would tell me it's OK... But it's not. You deserved so much more. And I just can't shake it. I just can't. I will always remember you, always. You were the first and most loyal "dad" that I had in my childhood. Gave what you had, even when you really didn't have it. Did you have faults, of course.... We all do. But if will remember spinning around in your favorite recliner, going on the birthday shopping sprees, being so excited for the "second Christmases"..... Debating with each other on the phone until we had to stop because it got too heated but being so passionate and so excited about the next debate. You were my favorite person to debate with....... Calling to discuss the depression periods we both suffered..... Discussing the meds that were and weren't working. Going to NASCAR races with you and of course going to work with you with my sister... And wearing smocks and joking with everyone about calling child labor on you, until you would give in and give us five dollars for working.

I was so scared about being pregnant with Elijah. I will never forget how you laughed and were so excited about me telling you I was pregnant. I will never forget how happy you were when you came to the house and met him/held him for the first time. He had a total diaper blow out, and you laughed so hard. Why does life happen like this? Why did we lose touch? You would have overlooked anything and everything that I could have ever done to tell me over and over that I was loved. You deserved more. I am so sorry. I pray that you can hold your children, that you can give them some peace through this time that they have to mourn for you. Put in a good word for me, until we see each other again. I will always love you.

Condolence: I`m sorry to read of Richies` passing.I grew up with him in Brooklyn.We would play endless whiffle ball games behind Duggan School.He came from a great family.Mrs. Bellemare and I would often discuss Brooklyn issues at Jimmy`s store where she worked.Remember the good times you shared with Richie.