Richard Paul Laitinen

Richard Laitinen, 75, of Gastonia, NC, passed away April 23, 2022, at Robin Johnson House, Dallas, NC.  Richard was born July 15, 1946, in Worcester County, MA and was the son of the late Armas and Elna Erickson Laitinen. Richard loved his family and he enjoyed fishing and playing horseshoes. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Paul Laitinen;  sisters, Barbara Laitinen and Joan Denault.

He is survived by his good friend and former wife, Linda Earls Laitinen; daughters, Korena Campbell (Scott), Celena Yarboro (Tanner), Jennifer Fowler; sister, Gail Babineau; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 29, 2022, at Grace Baptist Church 2200 Auton Rd. Gastonia, NC, with Pastor Scott Campbell, officiating.  The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow the service at Armstrong Cemetery.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com.