Richard A. Bachand

At the time of his death, Richard and his wife Barbara were living in Scituate, MA to be with family. Richard will long be remembered for his contributions to the City of New Bedford through an esteemed career as a local attorney, Ward Two City Councilor, and Legal Counsel to the City Council for 22 years.

Just two weeks before his death, Richard celebrated 50 years of marriage with Barbara in a weekend long family reunion in Scituate and that included family and friends. During the anniversary party, Richard’s four grandchildren performed songs and skits for him and despite his advanced Alzheimer’s Disease, Richard was engaged, smiling and clearly touched by those who had come to see him.

Richard was born in New Bedford April 19, 1931 to French Canadian immigrants Adrien and Germaine Bachand. Stories he told family about his youth included playing on every ball team his school offered; running several newspaper routes through his North End neighborhood; life in three tenement houses with his family; and jumping off bridges with his friends to go swimming in the summer time.

Richard graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1949 and from New Bedford Institute of Technology in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, graduated from the U.S. Army Intelligence School and served in Germany during the Korean conflict.

Returning home from his military service, Richard attended Northeastern University graduating in 1958 with a Masters Degree in Business Administration and then from Boston University in 1962 with a Doctorate Degree in Law.

In 1962, Richard began practicing law in New Bedford and during his career served as Assistant District Attorney, Southern District of MA from 1965 – 1967; as New Bedford City Councilor from 1966 to 1978, including City Council President in 1971; and then served as Legal Counsel to the City Council for 22 years. In his career, Richard was also a Debate Coach at St. Anthony High School.

A man of strong faith, Richard was an active member of both St. Anthony and St. Joseph churches in New Bedford throughout his life. He was instrumental in getting St. Anthony on the National Registered for historical buildings and at St. Joseph, served as a Eucharistic Minister for decades.

Although he would have loved to play major league baseball, and did try out for a professional team, Richard had baseball accomplishments including in 1952 when he was a member of the Southern New England Coast Conference Championship Baseball Team and in 1994 was inducted in the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth Corsair Hall of Fame.

He was the last surviving member of his family that included New Bedford residents Roger Bachand, Rene Bachand, Juliette Steliga, Jean Cardoza and Donald Bachand.

Along with Barbara, Richard is survived by his oldest son Richard who lives in Fort Collins, CO with his wife Annette and their two sons Andre and Peter; The Rev. Colette Bachand-Wood who lives in Scituate, MA with her husband Russell and their two daughters Bridget and Adrienne; and his youngest son Michael and his wife Joanne of Winsor, CT; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard will be remembered at a wake from 2:00 – 5:00 Sunday August 10th at Rock Funeral Home in New Bedford, 1285 Ashley Blvd and a Mass Monday August 11, 10:00 am at St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, 51 Duncan St., New Bedford. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Richard gave faithfully each year to his favorite organization, the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford; those who wish to make a donation in his memory in lieu of flowers are welcome to do so: Boys and Girls Club, 166 Jenney St., New Bedford, MA, 02740.