Richard A. Desmarais Jr.

Richard Albert Desmarais, Jr., 71, died on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

Richard was born on August 14, 1951 in Concord, NH. He lived in Canterbury for much of his life, married to the love of his life, Deborah Durgin-Desmarais for 43 years. Richard attended East Congregational Church as a child and started his working career while in his last year at Concord High School at Rumford Press. He joined the Army right out of high school because he had a love for his country and wanted to fight for freedom. He was a veteran stationed in Germany from the Vietnam War. He also worked at Riv Co in the accounting department; the family business, R.A. Desmarais & Sons Refrigeration, Heating, & A/C; and the Maintenance Dept at Concord High School. He retired from Harris Hills Assisted Living Facility in 2021 after many years and used to visit his cousin Sharon Young who is a resident there. Although he was a very private individual, he loved his family and being out on his boat and fishing at his camp at Lake Winnepesaukee. It has been said of Ric and Deb that they’ve never known a couple who loved each other more. In his younger years, he was a competitive swimmer and loved to play baseball, and in his latter years, he enjoyed playing cribbage. Rides with his wife in his antique vintage Corvette were some of his fondest memories.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife Deb (2021), mother Theresa Poisson-Brake, father and stepmother Richard Albert Desmarais, Sr. and Ruth Louise Ladd-Desmarais, as well as grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his siblings Barbara Locke (Tom), Dennis Desmarais (Lisa), Wayne Desmarais (Gloria), Alan Desmarais (Jodi), Kathy Robertson (widow of James), David Desmarais (Jason), and Dale Desmarais (Cindy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Aunt Alberta Sweeney.

 A graveside service with military honors will be held at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen on Friday, October 7th at 10:00 AM. The Cremaiton Society of New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements.