Richard J. (Dick) Paine, 97, Fort Wayne, IN, and formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2016, at 11:58 a.m. at his daughter’s residence.
Mr. Paine was born January 1, 1919, in Huntington, IN, to the late Jack and Helen (Scheiber) Paine. Mr. Paine is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Rita Gallagher.
In 1937 Richard was part of the first graduating class of Huntington Catholic High School, Huntington, IN. There he played on the first basketball team from a small Catholic school to win state and compete at nationals. From 1941-1945, as a part of the Texas 16th Army Division, Richard fought in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany, including the battles of Anzio and Monte Casino. Later, after working for Our Sunday Visitor for 38 years, he retired in 1984. Richard was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Fort Wayne, IN, and a former member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntington, IN. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus.
Along with his wife, Mary Rita, he is survived his daughter, Mary Helen (James) LaMarca, Fort Wayne, IN; four grandchildren, Erin Brock, Vince (Jennifer) LaMarca, Brian LaMarca, Renee LaMarca; and 6 great-grandsons.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Robert Paine; and two sisters, Marita (Hilford) Blum and Rose (Howard) Cassell.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 24, 2016, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 24, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, with Fr. Matt Sobereski presiding.
Burial with Military Honors will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Masses, American Cancer Society or American Lung Association in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.