Richard J. Lussier, 97, passed into eternal life on May 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 14, 1927 in the Willimansett section of Chicopee, MA and was the son of Remi and Elza (Piquette) Lussier. Richard was drafted into the military at the age of 17 and proudly served his country in the US Army. After graduating from high school, he pursued a music degree at Boston University but quickly decided that he would not make a living in music. That is when he bought a bulldozer and began a lifelong career in turf management. He left his mark on various schools in Western Mass, grass seeding their lawns. This experience led to the purchase of Mill Valley Golf Links in Belchertown, which he operated for 31 years. Though Richard’s career was in landscaping, his passion was winemaking. He established Parish Hill Vineyard and for over 25 years he grew grapes to create wines he shared with family and friends. A resident of Granby, MA since 1953, he was a communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary, serving as a lector and member of the choir. He was also a 70-year member and past president of the Granby Lions Club. Richard is predeceased by his wife Charlotte (2015). The remaining family will dearly miss him including his six children, Robert (Rochelle) of Princeton, NJ, Denise Gauthier (Jack) of Chicopee, Paul (Joan) of Belchertown, Diane Lussier of W. Springfield, Michael (JoAnne) of Sault Ste Marie, MI and Jeffrey of Granby; his nine grandchildren, Amanda (Rich), Cameron, Rachel, Kiana, Olivia, Harrison, Nathan, Cole and Emma; two great grandchildren, Camden Goeltz-Ellis and RJ Donnell; and “adopted daughters” Ingrid Gonesh and Mary Jo Renear. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 8 from 9am-11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary with a Funeral Mass to begin at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow at West Cemetery. For those wishing to honor Richard’s memory, donations may be made to either St. Jude Children's Hospital, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, or Springfield Shriners Hospital for Children. Please visit www.beersandstory.com