[HCRA] Vinnie, WA1GVV (NS1J) SK

[Steve Rodowicz]

 From MassLive:

Vincent R. Falardeau 1942 - 2007 HOLYOKE -

Vincent R. Falardeau, 64, died Saturday, March 10 at the Holyoke Medical Center.

He was born in Holyoke on March 29, 1942, to the late Wilfrid and Alboma ( Roy) 
Falardeau.

Vincent attended schools in Holyoke and Hyde Park N.Y. He graduated from Hyde 
Park Seminary and attained his B.A. in 1967 and his M.A.T in 1968 from the 
University of Illinois. Later in life he continued his education at UMASS 
Amherst where he received his C.A.G.S. in education. Mr. Falardeau worked as a 
teacher at Northampton High School from 1968 to 2004 before retiring.

Vincent was inducted into the National Wheelchair Hall of Fame in 1976 and the 
New England Wheelchair Hall of Fame in 2001. He attained an Athletic Varsity 
Letter and Commendation "Pioneers of Wheelchair Sports", from the University of 
Illinois in 2004. In May of 1966 Vincent received the Harold Scharper Service 
Award for service to the handicap community and in May 1971 he received the 
Harold Scharper Achievement Award for achievement as a handicap individual. He 
also served as chairperson for the Holyoke Handicap Advisory Commission. Mr. 
Falardeau was a Western Mass Track and Field Official since 1972 and a Western 
Mass Swimming Official since 1982. From June 1968 through May 1982 he was a 
member of the Mass. Minutemen Wheelchair Team. Vincent was a five time member of 
the United States Wheelchair Sports Team. Some of his competitions include the 
following: Paralympic Team - Tokyo Paralympics, Stoke - Mandeville International 
Wheelchair Games in 1965 and 1970 in England, Pan - American Wheelchair Games in 
Jamaica in 1971, ParalympicTeam Toronto Olympiad in 1976. Mr. Falardeau earned a 
variety of different awards and medals in all of these competitions.

Vincent will be sadly missed by his loving wife Anita (Olson) of Holyoke; one 
son Brian M. Falardeau of Holyoke; one daughter Karen A. Misiaszek and her 
husband Michael of Granby; two brothers Fr. Ernest Falardeau of New York and 
Leon Falardeau of N.J.; three sisters, Lucille Flynn of Springfield, Sister 
Florence Falardeau of Methuen Ma., and Adele Roberts of FL.; one grandson, 
Christopher Misiaszek of Granby and several nieces and nephews. Vincent was 
pre-deceased by three brothers, Roland , Fr. Normand, and Donald; and one 
sister, Theresa Rufo.

There will be a funeral service Saturday March 17 at 10 a.m. at the Skinner 
Chapel at United Congregational Church, Maple St., Holyoke. Family and friends 
are asked to meet at the church. Calling hours will be Friday March 16 from 4 
p.m. to 8 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made 
in Vincent's memory to the Vincent R. Falardeau Foreign Language Scholarship, 
T.D. Banknorth NA, 50 Holyoke St., P.O. Box 10114, Holyoke, MA., 01040. Please 
visit www.mem.com