Andrew R. Richer

Andrew R. Richer, 90, of Bedford, NH passed away peacefully early Saturday morning surrounded by family at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord.  Andy was raised in Manchester, NH, the son of Andre E. Richer and Catherine E. Freeman, was educated in the Manchester Catholic Schools.  A veteran, he proudly served as a forward artillery observer and communications specialist during the Korean Conflict.  Upon return to civilian life, Andy spent his entire career in the communications industry with New England Telephone, “Ma Bell,” and affiliated companies, primarily in marketing and management roles.  He retired in 1990 after 30+ years of service.

In December 1959 he married Joan Gay (Zimmerman) Richer, who survives, and together on Westwood Drive in Manchester, they raised a son, Michael Andrew Richer (Montvale, VA) and a daughter, Kristen Andrea Richer Losey (Chichester, NH), who also survive along with 4 grandchildren, Zane Richer, Nathan Richer, Emma Losey and Lilly Losey.    His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his later years in retirement, as he and Joan enthusiastically followed their academic and sports activities.

Andy stayed current in sports, business and world affairs, reading the Wall Street Journal, the Union Leader, and sharing his daily finds from frequent searches of the internet. He fully embraced and talked frequently about our country’s freedoms and he freely shared his time as a volunteer, referee, and board member of several local organizations.  In earlier years he was an avid fisherman, a ski patroller at King Ridge, and he enjoyed golf and comradery with his friends at Concord Country Club, where he was a member for 35 years. 

Andy will be sadly missed by family, friends and business associates, but fondly remembered as an honest, faithful family man, whose unwavering dedication and caring for Joan showed endless compassion, patience and love.

Memorial services for Joan and Andy will be held on Monday, May 15th at the Bedford Presbyterian Church at 11am, 4 Church Street, Bedford NH. Committal services will follow at the Bedford Center Cemetery at 14 Church Street afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, The Special Olympics, or a veterans organization of their choosing. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.