Richard Paul Elgar

Richard Paul Elgar, 81, of Attleboro, MA, passed away at his home on Friday, July 7, 2017.Born on July 12, 1935 in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Harry S. Elgar, Sr. and the late Mary (Cambio) Elgar."Happy", "Coach", or "Grampa with the gray hair", as he was known to many, proudly served in the United States Air Force and worked for many years as a self-employed Horseman before retiring. A resident of Attleboro since 2000, he previously lived in Seekonk, MA. Richard was a daily fixture at the local Honey Dew Donut store. Richard trained and raced horses at the former Narragansett Park in Pawtucket, RI, and horses and greyhounds at the former Lincoln Downs in Lincoln, RI. He enjoyed participating at the annual Marshfield Fair. He was a private and independent man who was dedicated to his family, whom he raised on a farm in their younger years, and with whom he enjoyed many sports activities, especially with his grandchildren.He leaves his beloved children: Raphael Richard Elgar and his companion, Doris Netz, of East Providence, RI; Rocco D. Elgar and his wife, Karen D. Elgar, of Smithfield, RI; and Chris M. Elgar and his wife, Kerri A. Caldarone, of Attleboro MA. He was the adoring grandfather of Georgia L. Elgar, Sarah K. Elgar, Ritchie L. Elgar, and Candace C. Elgar. Richard was the dear brother of Anna Guarino of Glocester, RI; Barbara Contillo of Smithfield, RI; Robert Elgar of Johnston, RI; John Elgar of Johnston, RI; Joan DesRosiers of Smithfield, RI; and the late Harry "Sonny" S. Elgar. He leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.Richard was the former husband of Kathleen J. (White) Smith-Bernat of Attleboro, MA.Friends and family are cordially invited to honor and remember Richard by gathering for a Visitation with Veteran's Honors on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA. Guests are asked to wear casual and comfortable attire, as Richard would have wanted.Burial will be private.Children's room is available during the visitation.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard to a charity of one's choice.For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200