Robert “Bob” F. Richard, 74, of Swanzey, NH and formerly of Littleton, NH, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Ridgewood Center in Bedford, NH after a brief period of declining health.
He was born to the late Marie O. (Sorrell) and Emery G. Richard on August 18, 1949, in Claremont, NH. Bob graduated from Claremont High School in the class of 1967 and continued his education at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and later at UNH in Durham, NH, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1973.
Bob honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, earning several commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army 
Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Sharpshooter Rifle. He served as a Stock Control and Account Specialist and was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist 5-E5 on November 29, 1973.
On April 29, 1983, Bob exchanged vows with the love of his life, Merelyn A. (Wyman), in a simple service at his sister Sandy’s house in Manchester, NH, surrounded by the love of family and friends–the Richard’s recently celebrated 40 years of marriage.
Bob was the owner and operator of Top of the Hill Store in Dalton, NH for 15 years until he retired in 2011. Prior to that, he worked at Butson Supermarkets in Woodsville, NH as the HR Director for 5 years and as the Store Manager for 10 years in Littleton, NH.
Bob had a multitude of passions and joys in life, with his primary focus being on cherishing moments spent with his family and raising his daughter, Michelle. He was the builder of their family home, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a devoted member of Littleton Methodist Church. In his younger years, he was a member of the Jaycees of Claremont and played lead guitar in a band during the 60s. He enjoyed playing golf, volleyball, fishing, boating, skiing, and riding his motorcycle.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Merelyn, their daughter, Michelle E. Richard, his sons Jeffrey Richard, Gary Dimick, and Rodney Dimick, and daughter Debbie Rock. He is also survived by his three siblings, Wilfred Richard, Jane McDonald and her husband Stan, and Sandra Gaudreault and her husband Richard, along with cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob’s name to Ruck-Up, Inc. (https://www.ruck-up.org/). Ruck-Up is a local organization dedicated to providing counseling and advocating for Veterans and was instrumental in getting Bob the help he needed after a long battle with PTSD and depression following his service in Vietnam. A private burial will take place at a later time. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St., Swanzey, NH 03469. Visit www.cheshirefamilyfh.com for more information.
