Richard "Dick" Norbert Esneault, 81, a resident of Huntsville since 1963, passed away Sunday evening.

He was a faithful husband of 58 years, a father of four sons and a loving grandfather of eight.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Dick obtained his amateur radio operator's license, W4IJC, at age 13 and was an active HAM for over 70 years. He was an original member of Project OSCAR-1, the first amateur radio satellite that was put into space.

He graduated from Holy Cross in New Orleans and attended the University of Miami in Florida.

He was a World War II veteran stationed in the Pacific from 1943 to 1945. Dick worked with the Strategic Air Command 8th Air Force for 12 years.

He was an honorary member and 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

He founded BJR Manufacturing Reps, a division of Esneault Associates in 1965, a family business which continues today.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Esneault; sons, Richard Norbert Esneault II and wife, Dr. Susan Muller, of Huntsville, James Joseph Esneault and wife, Mary, of Pittsburgh, Penn., Robert Michael Esneault and wife, Kathy, of Huntsville, and John Scott Esneault and wife, Leslie, of Huntsville; and grandchildren, Richard "Ricky" III, Alexis, Eva, Joseph, Michael, Heather, John and Emily Esneault.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Dunklin of New Orleans.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with Father Louis Giardino officiating.

Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church Building Fund, 13550 Chaney Thompson Road S.E., Huntsville, AL 35803.

Published in The Huntsville Times, 2/6/2007