Laconia-----John O. Richards, 87, of Bois Circle passed away on Monday, December 14, 2015 at The Taylor Community.
John was born in Portsmouth on April 14, 1928 the son of Maurice O. and Helen (Durgin) Richards. John graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1946 and left for duty with the U.S. Navy the day after graduation. He served in the Navy as Hospitalman. Upon his discharge from the Navy he attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1955. In July he moved to Laconia to work for Charles Dockham at Story Drugstore. Upon Mr. Dockhams retirement John and his wife took over the store and ran it until June 31, 1992. He was most proud of his award of the Bowl of Hygeia in 1976, an award made annually to one pharmacist per state, the award for outstanding community service as well as service in his profession.
John was involved in many community organizations throughout his life; he served as a Lt. in the Gilford Fire Dept. for twelve years, on the planning board and as a school board member for nine years. He was an active member of the Congregational Church of Laconia since 1946, serving as Trustee and Deacon where he and his wife were honored to receive the church service award in 2001. John was a charter member of the Laconia Rotary Club, serving as President 1970-1971, he served on the Board of Directors of the First NH Laconia Bank and was one of the original members of the Laconia Downtown Association. He also served on the Salvation Army advisory board for thirty years.
Survivors include his beloved wife of over sixty seven years, Donalda F. (Ricker) Richards, of Laconia; two sons, John Richards Jr. of Florida and Thomas Richards and his wife, Mary, of Vermont; two grandchildren, Megan and Benjamin Richards and several nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Charles Richards and by two sisters, Mary Shattuck and Elizabeth Caldwell.
There will be no calling hours.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00am at the Congregational Church of Laconia, 69 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH. The Rev. Dr. Warren Bouton, Pastor of the church will officiate.
Burial will be held on Friday following the service at 2:30 pm in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen NH with military honors.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Congregational Church of Laconia - Dorcas Fund, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia NH 03246 or to the Laconia Salvation Army, 177 Union Ave. Laconia NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.