Richard “Dick” S. LaPoint Sr. 87, a resident of Ashuelot and formerly of Winchester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with the love of family near.
He was born a son to the late Helen (Curry) and William LaPoint on March 9, 1937, in Keene. Dick attended the local Winchester school system and attended Thayer High School.
On March 22, 1953, Richard exchanged vows with the love of his life, Shirley M. Miner. They had a simple service in Hinsdale with family and friends celebrating them.
Richard had several careers starting with the paper boy at the age of 14 years old and then the Winchester Highway Department. He once owned and operated a garage in Keene called “Dick’s Gulf Service” on the corner of Island and West St. He worked for O’Brian Construction for a couple of years and finally ended working at FiberMark paper mill in Brattleboro for 32 years. He retired from FiberMark in 2002 ending his career as their Maintenance Foreman. Richard was a lifelong member of the Winchester Fire Department raised to the rank of Chief which he held for several years. He was also a State Fire Warden. He rarely missed work even after spending most of some nights on a rescue or fire call.
After retiring as Chief, he continued to serve the Town of Winchester with the Emergency Management Department. He and his wife Shirley were integral part in starting the EMT unit in Winchester in the 70s. When he wasn’t fighting fires, performing rescues, or training new recruits you might find him coaching youth baseball at the ELMM Center.
Dick enjoyed many things in life such as, hunting and fishing, going out 4 wheeling, and was very mechanical. He was a huge tinkerer, enjoyed collecting mechanical pieces and 
going on Sunday drives. Richard could be counted on to always have a flashlight, saw, first aid kit, winch, or fire extinguisher on hand. He was always able to fix anything and ready to help anyone in a time of need. Richard was an accomplished welder and often called out to thaw water pipes with his portable welder. If someone called him for help, he would jump up and head out the door.
Mr. LaPoint Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Shirley Miner LaPoint of Ashuelot, their five children, Richard LaPoint Jr., Ann Davis, William LaPoint, and Susan LaPoint all of Winchester, and Sharon Greatbatch of Swanzey. He is also survived by several great and great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Calling hours will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 S. Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. Flowers are welcome but, the family requests donations may be made out to the
Winchester Fire Fighters Association
PO Box 208
Winchester, NH. 03470
in memory of Richard LaPoint Sr.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, Swanzey. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
