Richard F. Hechtl

NEW BOSTON - Richard F. Hechtl, 81, of New Boston, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

He was born in Lewiston, Maine, on March 2, 1932, to Alexander and Marjorie Jordan Hechtl.

Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 and married the love of his life, Elaine Stevens Hechtl, on April 4, 1954.

He earned a B.S. in psychology from Bates College and an M.S. in psychology from the University of New Hampshire. He worked as a psychologist at the Youth Development Center and in the Concord State Prison for several years before joining the faculty at Saint Anselm College. While there, he founded the Psychology Department, which grew to be one of the largest majors at the college, and served as department chairman for many years. In addition, he served as faculty adviser to the Saint Anselm Jazz Band. He retired after a 30-year teaching career.

Richard was many things, including a grower of vegetables, a caretaker of the land he loved, an avid jazz pianist, a wonderful counselor, an encourager of aspirations and the best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor anyone could hope for.

All who knew him will never forget him. All who loved him will forever be blessed by his love, leadership, gentle kindness and incredible generosity. He leaves behind many legacies, from the farmhouse he and Elaine restored to the large and sprawling family they created to fill it.

Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elaine Hechtl; his brother, Mark Hechtl of Moreno Valley, Calif.; and his three children: his daughter Patty (Dennis) Kilar of New Boston, and their children, Alex (Julie), Heather and Liz Kilar; his daughter Tina (John) Langley of Hollis, and their children Alli, Anna, Kate and Sam Langley; and his son Eric (Kim) Hechtl of Niles, Mich., and their children Jolean (Seth) Smith and Steven, Jeremy and Nathan Hechtl, as well as two great-grandsons, Caleb and Luke Smith; and his dog, Ginger.

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services: Richard's family is planning an open house at the family farm, Colonial Acres, on Saturday, June 22, starting at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Boston Fire and Rescue.

French and Rising Funeral Home, 17 South Mast St., Goffstown, is assisting with arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guestbook, go to www.frenchandrising.com.