Richard Chickering Jr.

Richard "Chick" Chickering, Jr.

1939 - 2013 WEST CHESTERFIELD Richard Goodell "Chick" Chickering, Jr., 74, of Poor Road died Monday afternoon, Dec. 30, 2013, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Dick was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 23, 1939, the son of Richard and Mary (Flather) Chickering, Sr. He attended school in Chesterfield and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1957. He went on to attend New Hampshire Technical College and was the recipient of numerous certificates of automotive excellence following his graduation from NH Tech. He proudly served for eight years in the Vermont and New Hampshire National Guard. Before building his home in West Chesterfield he had resided in Hillsboro, N.H. In July of 1991, he established Chick's Fleet and Automotive Electrical Service, an automotive electrical rebuilding and sales service located on Mill Road Extension in West Chesterfield. Previously, he had been employed for 30 years at the former Tri-State Automotive in Brattleboro. An accomplished guitarist, he was an original member of the Solid Gold Cadillacs, a popular local group that disbanded in 1995. He also played guitar and sang with the Don Ashworth Trio for 14 years. Active civically, he served on the Chesterfield Board of Adjustment for nine years and was a volunteer fireman and first responder since 1964 with the West Chesterfield Fire Dept. where he served as a department officer and treasurer. Dick held membership in the American Legion Brattleboro Post #5, F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445 and was a member of the former Moose Club in Keene. In conjunction with playing the guitar, he also enjoyed being outdoors, snowmobiling, listening to classic country music and attending antique and classic car shows. He was proud to be a Ford man and loved to show off his 1955 Crown Victoria which he fondly referred to as "Miss Vicky." He was a faithful and devoted husband and loving father and grandfather who thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his family. On Aug. 31, 1963, at All Souls Church in Brattleboro, he was married to Pamela Gould who survives. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Mark Chickering of Grantham, N.H., and Duane Chickering of West Chesterfield; two daughters, Christine DiGeronimo of Warner, N.H., and Karen Todd of West Chesterfield; one sister, Nancy Chickering Cherrier of Bradford, nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Additionally he leaves his beloved pet Yellow Lab, "Katie." FUNERAL NOTICE: Friends are invited to call at the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Committal services and burial in Chesterfield West Cemetery will take place in the springtime along with a memorial service at the Eagle's Club in Brattleboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Chickering's name may be made to the Chesterfield Vol. Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 95, Chesterfield, N.H. 03443-0095. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence, please visit www.atamnaniuk.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.