Dr. Richard A. Emery OD, 97 of Derry, NH passed away peacefully May 14, 2022 at Mount Carmel Nursing Center in Manchester. Born in Wakefield, MA, he was the son of Herbert M. and Cora B. (Corey) Emery. He has been a Derry resident since 1952. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1943 and attended the University of Massachusetts after service in the U.S. Army. He served 2 years in the South Pacific. Following discharge, he entered the New England College of Optometry and was awarded his optometry degree in 1952. He began private practice in Derry the same year and continued until his retirement in 1994.
Dr. Emery was a past president of the New Hampshire Optometric Association, a member of the New England Council of Optometrists and the American Optometric Association.
He was past president of the Board of Trustees of the Derry Public Library, Board of Trustees of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, a past trustee of White Pines College, a past president of the Derry Lions Club and a member of St. Mark’s Lodge #44 F. & A.M. He served as Dad Advisor of Derry Chapter Order of DeMolay for ten years.
Dr. Emery was an avid reader with a curious mind. He kept current with the world well into his 90s using his electronic devices to research many areas of interest. During his life he and Gladys also enjoyed boating, golfing, travel, dancing and socializing with many groups of friends from school, professional life and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family members include his son, Dr. Keith A. Emery and his wife, Janice; a grandson, Justin B. Emery; and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Emery was predeceased by his wife, E. Gladys Emery; his sisters, Muriel Randall and Evelyn Slade; and by his brothers John Calvin Emery and Herbert M. Emery, Jr.
A calling hour will be held at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St, Derry on Saturday, May 21st from 10 – 11am with a funeral service following at 11:00am in the funeral home. Private interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in E. Derry at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you may make a donation in his memory to a charity of your choice.