Harold R. Richards

KEENE, NH – Harold R. Richards, 95, of Keene, formerly of Winchendon, MA, died peacefully at his residence Sunday morning, October 4th, with his family at his side.

He was born in Winchendon on August 9, 1920, son of the late Ernest and Pauline (Fair) Richards.  He was raised in Winchendon, where he graduated from Murdock High School.  Harold entered the Army in 1938 and spent three years as a Transportation Corporal.  He then went to work for American Bosh Co, where he worked as a diesel mechanic.  He then worked from 1941-1943 as a civilian for Lockhead and went overseas to Ireland and worked on B-24 planes as a crew chief.  He then entered the United States Navy, proudly serving during World War Two for 17 months and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

While in the service, he married Helen Casavant in 1944 and they moved to Springfield, MA., going back to work for American Bosh.  They moved to Tinley Park, IL and he worked for the Chicago Transit Authority doing their payroll.  In 1950, he moved back to Winchendon, where he went to work for Boston and Maine Railroad as a telegraph operator and stations agent for 7 years.  He enjoyed trains but received an opportunity to be home more and went to work for Ray Plastics in Winchendon.  He worked there for 19 years as their purchasing agent.  At the age of 58, he retired with his wife to Florida, where he lived for 18 years and enjoyed playing golf with his many friends.

His hobbies included playing golf, fishing, hunting, playing cards and spending time with his family.  He also enjoyed watching the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Harold was a Past President of the Winchendon Kiwanis Club and a former Trustee of the Winchendon Savings Bank.  He was a member of the American Legion in Keene and the Elks.  He was also a member of the Italian Club in Keene, where he had many friends.

His wife, Helen Richards, died in 2000.  Survivors include his daughter, Diane Way and her husband Thomas D’Agostino of Keene; a son, Ronald Richards and his wife Suzanne of Ft. Pierce, FL; his grandsons, Todd Shanks and his wife Kate of Keene, Tyler Shanks and his wife Sally of Swanzey, NH; Trevor Shanks of Swanzey, NH, Luke Richards and his wife Heather of TX; great grandchildren, Colin Shanks of Swanzey, Carson Shanks of Swanzey, Luke Richards of TX and Janie Richards of TX; his sister, Muriel Doody of Swanzey.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Earl, Lester, and Frederick and a sister Arlene Parker.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Friday, October 16th from 5 to 7 P.M.

Burial will be private in Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene, NH.

Memorial donations may be made to Home Health Care Hospice of Keene, NH or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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