Douglas G. Richards

 Douglas Gilbert Richards was born in Concord, NH on March 24, 1944. Doug spent the majority of his next 81 years roaming the New England area he so deeply loved. Above all, the central feature of Doug’s life was forming and nurturing connections with all living things; people, nature, and pets. His natural charisma, sense of humor, and willingness to truly listen made him a friend to all he encountered. In his chosen profession of social work, he dedicated himself to helping and supporting those who were struggling in life. In his personal time, he dedicated himself to his family and to getting a laugh out of whomever he encountered. His children grew in his parenting style of unconditional love and they now naturally apply this style as their own children grow. Later in life Doug continued to nurture his passion for connection as he traveled New England as an antique postcard dealer, to the Isles of Shoals attending every conference he could find, and around VA, NC, and Mexico as he traveled with his wife of 35 years. He even once traveled to England but felt that trip required too much walking. Doug continued to be a best friend to all until his passing on June 2, 2025, at Concord Hospital. Doug was not a religious man but he would deeply appreciate living on in the memories and smiles of those who knew him.

Doug was the son of Charles Richards and Estelle (Page) Richards. Doug was the beloved husband of Lisa (Ferriero) Richards whom he married on May 27, 1990. Doug graduated from Concord High School and the University of New Hampshire and Boston University. He worked as a social worker in the NH Department of Elderly and Adult Services for the majority of his career. Doug enjoyed a myriad of activities including painting, gardening, photography, and antique postcard collecting/dealing.

He was predeceased by his sister, Natalie Caldwell, and is survived by his wife Lisa, his son Nathan (Erica) Richards of Durham NH, his daughter Laura (Austin) Aldridge of Faber VA , four beloved grandchildren and one more on the way (Barrett, Harper, Finley, and Calder) , his brother David (Laurie) Richards and his sister Judith Sullivan, his sister-in-law Nancy Josselin, his brother-in law William Ferriero, and his in-laws Bette and Seraphino Ferriero, as well as countless nieces and nephews and their children.

A celebration of his life is being planned by his family and will be held this fall.

Doug will be forever grateful to the wonderful staff at the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care. He felt strongly that he did not want to die from cancer and he credits the Payson Center for ensuring that it was not, ultimately, cancer, that took his life. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Payson Center for Cancer Care at Give Now - Concord Hospital Trust. https://giveto.concordhospital.org/give-now