Richard H. Emerson

HAVERHILL — Richard H. "Dick" Emerson, 80, a former Haverhill businessman, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at the VA Medical Center in Brockton. He was the husband of Jacqueline (Merrill) Emerson.

Born in Haverhill on April 25, 1929, he was the son of the late Floyd S. and Alison (Holder) Emerson. Dick attended Haverhill High School and graduated from Admiral Billard Academy in New London, Conn. in 1947. He graduated as a commissioned officer from Norwich University, Northfield, Vt. in 1951.

Dick served with the U.S. Army as a tank unit commander during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he joined his father's business, Emerson Box Company, and later became president. Upon the business closing in 1986, Dick pursued a career in real estate. He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Bradford, and served on many church committees as well as the diaconate.

He was past president of the Haverhill Rotary Club and designated a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of Saggahew Lodge A.F.&A.M., Haverhill Commandry 14 KT, and the Shriner's Aleppo Temple. Dick was an avid Red Sox fan having held season tickets for over 40 years. As a baseball fan he attended many World Series games and was lucky enough to see the Red Sox win twice.

Mr. Emerson is survived by his wife of 58 years; three children, Nancy E. Esty and her husband Steven of Haverhill, Susan E. Reid and her husband Malcolm of North Grafton, and Richard M. "Rick" Emerson of Kingston, N.H. and his companion Sandi Janowski; three grandchildren, Alison and Sarah Esty and Michelle A. Reid; sister, Natalie E. Richardson and her husband William of Amesbury; brothers, David M. Emerson of Kingston, N.H.; and the late Robert Emerson, formerly of Sandown, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends are invited to the funeral Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. at the First Church of Christ, Bradford. Calling hours will be Thursday, Oct. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill. A Masonic service will be offered at 5 p.m. Interment following at Elmwood Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Building Fund, c/o First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Haverhill, MA 01835. Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com.