Obituary of Richard Armstrong

Richard William Armstrong was born in Monroe on January 25, 1942. He was the son of the late Percy Armstrong and the late Eudora (Bates) Armstrong Durocher. He graduated from Catholic Central High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force serving honorably. Dick married the former Joanne Nelson on June 25, 1966 in El Monte, California. In 1988 Dick was hired with the first career firefighters by Frenchtown Charter Township. Dick valued volunteer work and was known for his strong work ethic. He was a man's man with a great sense of humor and was respected by those around him. Dick was honored to be chosen as a Firefighter of the Year by the Monroe Kiwanis. He would proudly serve as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for twenty-five years before taking a medical retirement in 2004. After retirement, Dick enjoyed Friday and Saturday morning group breakfasts with the boys. He was a loving husband, father, and an endeared "Poppy" to his grandchildren. Dick loved being outside and enjoyed feeding and watching birds and doing yard work. He loved his dog and enjoyed his sweets. He had attended St. Michael Church. Richard William Armstrong, age 72 of Monroe, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. His passing was preceded by his parents. To cherish his memory, Dick leaves his loving wife of forty-seven years: Joanne; a daughter: Wendy (Mark) Strayer; a son: Richard Brent (April Marie ((Becker)) Armstrong; three sisters: Deanna Armstrong-Lunardini, Lynette (Dan) DuRocher and Cherie DuRocher-Mruzek; and six grandchildren: Jenna and Ryan Strayer, and Tori, Anthony, Charlie, and Jason Armstrong Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, April 21, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A prayer service will take place at 5:00pm with a fire department walk-through honoring his years of service at 7:00pm. He will lie in state from 12:30pm until the Mass of the Resurrection at 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 502 West Front. Father Stephen Vileo will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. Memorial donations are suggested to Muscular Dystrophy Association. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.