Richard “Dick” S. Countaway, 93, a long-time resident of Saugus, MA and more recently of Laconia, NH, died on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the American House in Keene, NH. He passed peacefully after a long and productive life. Richard was born the son of the late Aurilla (Stockwell) and John Countaway on December 5, 1925 in Winthrop, Massachusetts. He graduated from Winthrop High School, Class of 1943. After high school, he served in the United States Navy on the destroyer escort USS Herzog during World War II.
On June 5, 1949 he exchanged vows with Shirley H. Comfort at the First Congregational Church in Saugus, MA. They were married with family and friends in attendance. Sadly, Shirley passed on July 23, 2011 after sixty-two years of happy marriage.
Dick worked for the Loomis Sayles Co. in Boston, MA for thirty years as a systems analyst before retiring in 1989.
Growing up near the ocean gave Dick a love for fishing and boating. Dick owned and operated many boats over the course of his life. He was a long-time member of the Cottage Park Yacht Club in Winthrop. He also had a lifelong appreciation for gardening. During retirement, Dick enjoyed bird watching, golf, and traveling with Shirley. Together, they also spent many winters in Naples, Florida, where he played golf and made new friends.
Dick will always be remembered for his warm and generous, easy-going personality as well as his sense of humor. There was always laughter in and around the Countaway household as well as all the other places where Dick would spend time.
Dick is survived by his two daughters, Debra A. Bashford and her husband Robert of Brattleboro, VT, and Janice L. Countaway and her husband David Ralph of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by his three grandchildren; Jessica Bashford, Kate Bashford, and Kevin Ralph, as well as his grandchildren from the union of Janice and David; Christopher and Steven Ralph. His great-grandchildren include Havilah Altstadt and Kai Bashford. In addition, he leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Dick is predeceased by his wife, Shirley (Comfort) Countaway and his brothers John and William Countaway.
In keeping with Dick’s wishes, there will not be calling hours. A private burial will occur in the family plot at the Riverside Cemetery in Saugus, MA. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories in Keene, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Home Health Care, Hospice and Community Services, Inc. at PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
