LEWISTON — Richard J. Pelletier, 52, of Lewiston, died on Sunday, March 31, at his residence following a long and courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston, Nov. 22, 1960, the son of the late Fernand and Irene (Clavet) Pelletier and had been a resident of this community all of his life.

He was educated in Lewiston schools and was a graduate of Lewiston High School, Class of 1979. He also attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing and graduated with a nursing degree in 1984. He was in the Army Reserves for many years.

Richard was an ICU nurse for many years before pursuing his lifelong passion and opening his own martial arts school, Pelletier’s Karate Academy. He achieved the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. He lived his life by the dojo precepts of humility, self-control, integrity and courtesy, along with his trademark sense of humor. He touched the lives of so many.

Richard enjoyed reading, playing poker, gardening, debating politics at his favorite restaurant Simones Hot Dogs, his dog Daisy and above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his daughters and the love of his life Laura.

He was a parishioner of Holy Family Church and a member of the Board of Directors at the Community Credit Union.

He is survived by his wife, the former Laura M. Ward, whom he married on Aug. 11, 1984 of Lewiston; two daughters, Deneige Pelletier and her fiancé, Darrin Hall, of Jersey City, N.J., and Abigale Pelletier of Lewiston; one sister, Anne Latuscha and her husband, John, of Lewiston; one brother, Roland Pelletier of Lewiston; aunts, uncles, cousins; Sensei Sadie Landry and Sensei Ferdinand Torres and the rest of his karate family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Seth Gordon and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for the wonderful care they have provided to Richard through his illness.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

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