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Richard Donald Fournier

Richard Donald Fournier, 82, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on April 18, 2026, Richard was born on March 23, 1944, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he was raised.
He served his country in the United States Army and later in the United States Navy in the 1970’s. His military service eventually brought him to Florida, where he was stationed in Milton.
After leaving the service, he settled in Jacksonville and built a life there. He worked as an aviation mechanic for a government contractor at NAS Jacksonville and remained there until his retirement in 2006.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Mary Ella Fournier, who passed away on January 8, 2021, and by his daughter, Diane Fournier, who passed away on July 27, 2023.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Leavitt and her husband, Myron; his grandson, Caleb Leavitt and his wife, Crystal; and his treasured great-granddaughter, Olivia “Livie” Leavitt, who brought him tremendous joy and could light up his whole day with her smile.
Richard was a hardworking provider who cared deeply for his family. He was fiercely independent, honest, and direct, with a strong personality and a deep knowledge of the things he loved. Though often a man of few words, he could happily talk at length about a subject that interested him. He loved music, enjoyed political discussions, and never lost his appreciation for finding a good deal. He was an avid collector for many years, beginning with bottles and eventually expanding to antiques, tools, vintage vinyl albums, vintage postcards, and posters. He loved the thrill of a good find, whether at a yard sale or Goodwill. He also loved animals and made sure there was always a pet in the home. Over the years, that included dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and even a hurt squirrel he once cared for in a custom cage until it was ready to be released.
Some of the fondest memories his family holds are of the many camping trips and family travels he made possible over the years. Through those trips, he shared his love of history, adventure, and the outdoors with those he loved. From battlefields and monuments to ocean views and mountain mornings, those memories became lasting gifts to his family. He also loved football, especially the Florida Gators and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his later months, Richard spent time reflecting deeply on life, faith, and the people he loved most. Those sacred conversations, marked by honesty, humility, and a renewed openness to God’s grace, became deeply meaningful to his family. Richard will be remembered not only by his family, but by extended family and friends who knew him as interesting and deeply memorable. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. under the care of Fraser Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Mary, something for which he was deeply grateful.
Because of cemetery guidelines, flowers may not be left at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity supporting children and future generations, in honor of the joy his great-granddaughter Olivia brought to his life.
With gratitude for the love and support of family and friends, the family holds close this promise from Revelations 21:4-5 (NKJV):And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”