To Celebrate a Life of Love: Richard Edward Doucette
May 1, 1949-July 11, 2018
With his passion for flying, it is only fitting that the Lord God would call Rick to His heavenly presence “on eagle’s wings…in the breath of dawn”! Peacefully, Rick passed away the morning of July 11, 2018.
Rick was born May 1, 1949 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Louis Edward Doucette and Antoinette Ann Kaminski. Throughout his life, he was a gentle, loving soul; always friendly, honest, caring to everyone, and had a great sense of humor. Even in high school, Rick’s strong faith in God, his moral convictions, sense of responsibility, and commitment to family and community, formed his lifelong ideals. From service to his country to service to his church and multiple organizations, he was always ready to fulfill the needs of others.
After graduating from Lowell Technological Institute with a degree in Business Administration, he served 20 years in the United States Air Force as a Services Officer. During that time, he also met the love of his life, Patricia Gieselman, in San Antonio and married on December 22, 1979. Together they enjoyed life in England, Germany, and Texas, meeting new people and creating lasting friendships.
Upon retirement in 1991, Rick worked in Dallas as a Forum Leader for AOL computers, a Software tester for Aldus/Adobe Corporation, and later became self-employed as owner of Doucette’s Desktop, publishing commercial and church-related newsletters. He and Pat returned to San Antonio in 1997 and followed God’s call to adopt their beautiful daughter, Lydia, in 2003 who has always held a special place in Rick’s heart.
After an ACTS retreat with the theme “Here I am Lord, I will go, if You lead me”, Rick felt called to work for the church. His ministry began at the Archdiocese of San Antonio Today’s Catholic Newspaper as a staff writer/reporter; and then as Director of the Office of Social Concerns, evangelizing and encouraging Catholics at all levels to “put their faith into action”. He was passionate about pro-life, abolishing the death penalty, and all aspects of social justice. He “walked the talk” volunteering as Board President of Allied Women’s Center (a pro-life crisis center), by actively participating in many Right to Life activities, and serving as a board member of Dress for Success, an organization helping women succeed in employment. In addition, he has been a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight, and assisting in many parish and community events.
Rick had many passions and skills. He loved flying airplanes, both inside the cockpit of real airplanes, and from the ground with his remote control model airplanes. Cats were his favorite pets, many of which he cared for over the years. He was devoted to his family and friends. Rick took great pleasure in getting to know everyone he met from all walks of life and accepted everyone for who they were without judgment. Those who knew him would agree he could hold a conversation about almost any topic with anyone. He was an avid reader; loved learning about a variety of things from science/technology, solar energy, airplanes, religion, politics, to information on how to build things (This Old House was one of his favorite TV shows). When he set his mind to accomplish something, he did so with perfection in mind—whether it was to build a deck and stone walkway, fly an airplane, write a newsletter for an organization, or plan a gala to raise funds for non-profit organizations. Although Rick at times may have doubted his ability to accomplish his life goals, in other people’s eyes he has accomplished them all! God has indeed called Rick to Him on eagle’s wings, making him shine like the sun, and is now holding him in the palm of His hand.
Rick is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Pat, his daughter, Lydia, his sister, Louise Doucette, and niece Tory Eskenazi.
The following services in celebration of Rick’s life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249: Friday, August 3, 2018, 6 pm Visitation. 7 pm Vigil Service. Saturday, August 4, 2018, 9 am Visitation. 10 am Memorial Mass. Interment will be on Monday, August 6 at 10:15 am at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Allied Women’s Center or the charity of your choice.