Richard Perry Apgar, 79 of East Derry, NH died suddenly at his home on Wednesday January 9, 2008. Richard was born on May 1, 1928 in High Bridge, NJ the son of the late Nevious C. and Olive (Perry) Apgar. He married Gladys Elizabeth Perry on June 19, 1954 and in 1968 they moved to East Derry where they have lived since. He retired in 1993 after 25 years with Sanders Associates where he had been employed as a Laser scientist. While his sons were scouts, he served as Cub Master of Pack 405 in East Derry for six years. A very supportive and encouraging father, he helped his sons build several Soap Box Derby racecars and his daughter with horseback riding.
Richard was a talented stage designer and singer for the Nashua Chapter of Barbershop Chorus and demonstrated great imagination and creativity. In addition, he played many instruments including the piano, bass fiddle and flute. He enjoyed performing magic for the children at the Taylor Library in East Derry where he was also a Trustee. He was a member of the First Parish Church in East Derry where he began the Cherub Choir teaching children to sing. Richard was a member of St. Mark’s Masonic Lodge #44 F & AM in Derry and served as Past Worshipful Master and a member of Bell Chapter. He was also a member of the Israel Hunt Council #8 R & SM.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gladys (Perry) Apgar of East Derry, his son Keith Russell Apgar of Dunbarton, his daughter Lenore Anne Coombs of Manchester, his son Matthew Dean Apgar of Epsom, nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and one cousin.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, a memorial service was held Sunday, January 13th at 2:00pm at the First Parish Congregational Church, 47 East Derry Rd., East Derry, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Parish Church, P.O. Box 114, East Derry, NH 03041 or the Taylor Library, P.O. Box 110, East Derry, NH 03041. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is in charge of the arrangements.