New Hampshire has lost a great man today. Richard "Dick" Hinch, 71, of Merrimack, New Hampshire passed away on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 at his home.

He was born in Marblehead, MA on May 1st, 1949 to the late Fred and Helen (Pratt) Hinch. He was raised and educated in Marblehead, graduating from Marblehead High School and from Salem State University.

Dick was a man who dedicated his life in service to others. Whether as a Navy veteran, politician, or charitable advocate, his was a life dedicated to making things better for others. He was a strong supporter of the Nashua Soup Kitchen, Children of Fallen Patriots, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Dick was recently elected Speaker of the House in NH. His final words as Speaker reflect his true character. "We may have different ideas, but we all want to do what we believe is right, and there is nothing political or partisan about that".

He was a loving husband of 36 years to Patricia Hinch, father to James "Jay" Hinch, Kelly Snow and her husband Jesse Snow. He was looking forward with pride to the arrival of his first grandchild this Spring. He loved Sundays at the beach, breakfast at the Village Eatery, and a well-deserved bowl of chocolate ice cream at the end of the day.

He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Helen Hinch, his brother John "Jack" Hinch, and his brother- in-law Cal Hamson. Survived by his wife Patricia (Linihan) Hinch, his siblings Barbara Hinch Sommers, Freda Hamson, Robert Hinch and his wife Marilyn. His mother in law Miriam Linihan, and his in laws Rose Denucci, Kathy & Paul Giammarinaro, Peggy & Doug Landry, Mary & Larry Rufo, and Nancy Zagami. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

At this time the family has chosen to forgo a traditional service, in lieu of a celebration of his life at a later date.

Donations of remembrance may be made to Nashua Soup Kitchen and Children of Fallen Patriots.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit rivetfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Montior on Dec. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hinch

66 Entries

Jordan Ulery

June 21, 2024

As each year passes, your presence is remember and felt. Rest In Peace, Dick.

Alfred McMullen Jr.

December 24, 2020

With much feeling of sadness, I wish to say that I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that with my heart I wish there was something I could do to easy your pain and sorrow at this time. I will remember him in my prayers.

Rae Ann Durocher

December 23, 2020

We have lost a great voice, an amazing presence, R.I.P...

Mark DeNies

December 23, 2020

My condolences

Chris and Linda Lorrain

December 22, 2020

Pat, Jay and Kelly,

We were shocked to hear of Dick's passing. There was the very public side of Dick that everyone admired but there was also the more personal side that meant the world to us as neighbors. He always had a smile, always stopped to say hello and was always there to lend a hand. I knew Dick always had an eye out if we were away and he was right there to help in any way, especially when I had my incident several years back. Good, down to earth people like Dick don't come around that often. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

John Curran

December 19, 2020

Pat & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers at this time.

Eric & Amanda Gotta

December 15, 2020

Our deepest condolences for the loss of a such a wonderful, kindhearted man. It was an honor and true pleasure to have met Dick and to have been able to work with him. We will always remember his smile and positivity. Our prayers are with your family during this sad time.

Linda abd Doug Haskell

December 15, 2020

There are no words to express our heartfelt sympathy to you, Pat, and to your family. Dick was a wonderful man who had a unique way of making everyone feel special. For that we will be forever thankful as well as for all his dedication to the town of Merrimack and to the state of NH. He was a good, good man! As someone stated "he smiled all the way up to his eyes" and that beautiful smile will be missed but never forgotten. With much love and sympathy, Linda and Doug Haskell

Vincent Strout

December 14, 2020

My condolences to Dicks's family and friends. I have know Dick since the fourth grade at Gerry School in Marblehead and he was a friend until we parted ways after high school. I remember his sparkling blue eyes and great sense of humor most of all. Very sorry that he was taken by this virus.

Carol D'Onofrio

December 14, 2020

We are so heart broken of the loss of Mr. Hinch for his family. Know that he is being loved in our heavenly Father's kingdom in a way we can't even imagine. So sorry for your loss.

Ann Larsen Whittier

December 14, 2020

Dickie, I remember you as a friendly, sparkly-eyed classmate at MHS. You were a gentleman and a fun person, as little as I knew you. So sorry you were cut down on the eve of your speakership.

Bill Marsh

December 14, 2020

Over the last four years, Dick became a trusted and respected friend. I truly enjoyed working with him and will miss his ability to keep his eye on the big picture.

Andrew & Amanda Bouldin

December 14, 2020

A true tragedy. Our hearts go out to those who loved Rep. Hinch and had hoped for more time with him.

Chris Buda

December 13, 2020

Dick Hinch was a leader in the truest sense of the word. He brought people together and earned the respect of many. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Barbara Hinch Sommers

December 13, 2020

My thoughts and prayers go out to Pat, Jay, Kelly, and Jesse. I am so sorry for this great loss. I know how difficult this is for all of you. I know how much he loved all of you so much . He always put you first before himself and gave everything to his family. Dick was such a loving and caring brother in law to me . I will never forget his kindness to myself and my children.

My fondest memories are up the camp
Every weekend and summers enjoying family time playing games, indoor pool, and out on the boat . I will miss his warm smile and immense generosity to all of us
Love you so much. Thank you for everything to did for me . I will never forget you .

Sen. Erin Hennessey

December 13, 2020

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I had the great privilege of working with Dick for the past 6 years. Dick was always a statesman and I really appreciated his jolly nature, welcoming smile, and inclusive policies. My heart and prayers go out to your family.

My aunt and uncle before our annual cruise

December 13, 2020

Jodi ThompsonCampos

December 13, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Rep. Heidi Hamer

December 13, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to Dick's family, friends & House members. He will be missed.

December 13, 2020

Mr.Hinch, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH

Scott Maltzie

December 13, 2020

While I only knew Dick for a relatively short time, I counted him a friend. Always kind; always supportive - I could ask for nothing more. He will be remembered for his work, his service, but most of all for his example. The world is a little less interesting place now that he is gone. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Linda Camarota

December 12, 2020

Speaker Dick will be deeply missed. I served with him over the past two years and found him to be respectful, honorable and jolly. He was a true statesman and a dedicated public servant. Prayers for healing and comfort go out to family and friends.
Deepest sympathies,
Hon. Linda Rea Camarota

Arthur Pawlowski

December 12, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Hinch family. I first met Dick in September of 1998 when I was 40 years old. He approved my hiring for a new job when I was at a crossroads in life & offered me an excellent opportunity for career advancement. For the next 7-1/2 years he was my sales manager and coach. His solid guidance, strong friendship & help with problem resolution made a very positive impact on my life and career. I remember him as a remarkable human being with an outgoing personality and true compassion for life. His smile & friendship was motivating & memorable to this day. His passing is a tragedy of 2020 & a horrible loss to all of us. Remember the good times. Dick would want us all to smile, to be cheerful & to always be kind to each other.

John Kwiatkowski

December 12, 2020

Dick was a True American, and a Great Man...a Role Model for one and all. God Bless

Christine Hinch

December 12, 2020

My uncle was a loving wonderful man. When my father passed he became a role model and second father to me. He is kind, smart, caring and selfless. Always willing to help others so it didn’t surprise me when he got into politics. There he could have a voice for those of us who didn’t. I will never forget that smile and those wild dance moves. He loved to embarrass my cousin and I by busting out these crazy dance moves in public nonetheless. He was always laughing and cracking jokes. His kind heart will be with all of us.

My family is grieving and everyone’s kind words means the world to us. It helps block out all the negativity in the world. So thank you to all of you have have sent flowers and written such wonderful words about my uncle. With him being such a public figure it makes grieving much more difficult. Even though most of you say you didn’t know him you still knew his kind heart. So thank you all again for your condolences.

Steven Schwed

December 12, 2020

He will be missed .he inspired me in so many ways to be better person. And business owner.

Barbara Shaw

December 11, 2020

My condolences to Dick's loving family. Though I do not personally know you, I deeply share your
loss of this great man. Rep. Hinch was a man of honor and integrity. He was kind and pleasant, intelligent and inclusive..a true leader. I am honored to have known him. May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
Rep. Barbara Shaw
Manchester NH

Ellen Cunniffe

December 11, 2020

Our sincerest condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Please do not hesitate to reach out. The Ed Cunniffe family sends all their love and prayers.

Hon. Tammy Simmons

December 11, 2020

May we all keep a little of him with us all - Dick's genuine, warm smile, his willingness to listen and work with everyone despite our differences, and his dedication to making NH a better place for all of us. He will surely be remembered.

Rita Delude

December 11, 2020

Dear Pat, Kelly, and James,

You have lost a great husband and father, and the town of Merrimack has lost a great advocate for its causes. Dick served tirelessly and kindly. His life and service was much appreciated by me and my husband, Ron. He also holds a special place for us because he gave Jon his first "big" hardscaping job and took a chance on a young entrepreneur. But that's just the way he was, willing to take a chance and to give an opportunity to a young person.

I can't imagine your level of grief at this time. I pray for you and your extended family. May your fondest memories of time with Dick comfort you now and in the future.

God bless you all!

Rita Delude

Harold French

December 11, 2020

The condolences from the French family in Canterbury. The entire State has lost a friend.

Jordan Ulery

December 11, 2020

It was a honor, but more of a pleasure to work with Dick in the House. His affable manner, wit, knowledge, firmness and constancy of message was inspiring. I will miss him but always remember him. Fair winds and following seas Dick.

Representative Michael Yakubovich

December 11, 2020

New Hampshire lost a true statesman. With his gentle smile & utmost attention he fooled us into believing he had infinite time to listen to us, but alas... :(

Representative Bill Foster

December 11, 2020

My family and I wish to offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Hinch family.

Robert Lynn

December 11, 2020

To the Family of Richard "Dick" Hinch: I am so deeply saddened by Dick's untimely death, and I send my heartfelt condolences to you. I must confess that I did not know Dick well. I am a newly elected State Rep. from Windham, and I met Dick only a few times during the campaign and since being elected. However, even from these brief encounters, it was clear to me that, in addition to being a person of substance, Dick was a genuinely nice human being. I found the suggestions he gave me during the campaign most helpful, and I was honored to join my House colleagues in unanimously voting for him to be our next Speaker. I have no doubt that he would have done an outstanding job in that role.
Dick and you are in my prayers.
Respectfully,
Bob Lynn

Rep Katherine Rogers

December 11, 2020

It was an honor and a privilege to serve in the NH Legislature with Dick. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

State Representatives Lynne & Russ Ober

December 11, 2020

Friend, colleague, and all around great, happy guy. He will be sadly missed, but we will all remember him and his great smile. Rest in peace and know that you made a positive difference in the world.

Myself, Speaker Dick Hinch, Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie and Deputy Speaker Sherman Packard in March of 2019.

Wayne MacDonald

December 11, 2020

I appreciated Dick's friendship and the way he included me in the efforts to elect House Republicans in 2020. As a new member of the New Hampshire House, I was really looking forward to serving under his leadership. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I will miss him very much.

Lisa Scontsas’s

December 11, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Hinch family. Dick was amazing, kind, and thoughtful man. I had the pleasure of serving in the House of Representatives with him. His smile and kindness will be missed. The State has lost a great, hardworking honorable man. May his memory be enteral. God Bless you Mr. Speaker!

Dianne Schuett

December 11, 2020

I served two terms on the Legislative Administration committee with Dick, and even though we were different parties, he asked me to be Clerk of the committee. He was always polite and gentlemanly. As with other members of the House, I was shocked to learn of his passing. I send my sincere sympathies to his family, Rep. Dianne Schuett

Lisa Snow

December 11, 2020

I am sadden by the new of Dick's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pat, Kelly and Jay.

Representative Terry Roy

December 11, 2020

While I only knew Dick for three years, I came to call him my friend. I'll never forget his speech to potential Republican reps who were thinking about running. His words convinced me that dedication to public service was a reward unto itself. I credit him with motivating me to be a better public servant. Dick made your family so much bigger and the entire State of New Hampshire shares in your loss and know that we are here for you. His name will always be a blessing and his legacy will live forever. God bless you.

Mark McLean

December 11, 2020

As a member of the NH House I always appreciated Dick's gentleness and leadership. That appreciation has grown as we have all realized what we've lost. My prayers are with his family and all those who love him.

Patrick Abrami

December 11, 2020

Great man, great leader, and a big loss to the State of NH that he loved so much. To his family, thank you for sharing him us all at the State House for all these years. Please know we feel your pain of such a sudden tragic loss of such a loving and wonderful human being. He will always be in the collective memories of those NH House members past and present that had the honor of serving with him. Rep Patrick Abrami, Stratham

Jacqueline Cali-Pitts

December 11, 2020

So sorry! Dick was a good man always with a smile. Political differences don't separate people.

Michael Cahill

December 11, 2020

I offer my condolences to the family of the gentleman from Merrimack, Dick Hinch. In a 400 member House, we don't all get to know each other well. I recall during his term as Majority Leader commenting to him that he appeared to be happy in his work. He replied that he was always happy. I believe he was whether speaking for or against legislation, he enjoyed serving our state and his community.

Mary and Michael Mayville

December 11, 2020

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dick Hinch. He was a dedicated leader who pushed past distractions to focus on the good of the community and the State. Mr. Speakah, you are missed.

Jesse Edwards

December 11, 2020

Dick was very giving. Without fanfare, he made significant donations to the Liberty House in each of the past three bipartisan legislative softball games. He's leaving a vacuum in the NH House and elsewhere. Rest in Peace.

Meaghan Bouvier

December 11, 2020

Pat, Kelly and Jay; I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with all of you.

Rodney Buckley

December 11, 2020

My Condolences. I always felt respected and listened to when dealing with Dick

Sandra Morrison

December 11, 2020

Never had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman but as the saying goes, "A person's Life Stands On It's Own Merits" and from all I have seen and read this man stood "TALL"! Huge loss for N.H. and huge loss for his family. My deepest sympathies to all of them. Thank you Sir for your dedication to America and the State of New Hampshire.

Robert Hinch

December 11, 2020

I have lost another brother and my heart is heavy. My sympathies go out to Pat Kelly and Jay for their loss. May God bless you at this time of mourning.Marilyn and I pray for you to heal. Dick is with God and will watch over you.

The Staff of George R. Rivet Funeral Home

December 11, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

Peter Giacapuzzi

December 11, 2020

Our sincere condolences and deep sympathy. Our thoughts an prayers to Pat and their family. Dick was a dear friend since 2003. We have many great memories. Was a member with him with the Merrimack Lions, Merrimack Rotary, and the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce. He was always looking how to make everything better for the Merrimack Community and the state of New Hampshire. Always willing to help. Will miss him for our Breakfast Club and other events. He was a great man and friend and will dearly be missed. Rest in Peace "My Friend"
Pete and Anni Giacapuzzi

Joe Vliet

December 11, 2020

I knew Dick to be a dedicated public servant from his days on the Merrimack Board of Selectmen. As a member of the Budget Committee Dick and I often talked and became to know each other and become friends. Dick's passing is a great loss to all of us and he will be sorely missed. I pass on my thoughts and prayers to Dick's family in this time of sorrow...

Eileen Brady

December 11, 2020

Always grateful for Dick's support of the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter. Condolences to his family, friends, and political family.

Carolyn Whitlock

December 10, 2020

Like many others, I am devastated to hear that Dick has completed his life. I got to know him when we both became Merrimack Selectmen. He was the Chairman and I was his Vice-Chairman. He not only was an excellent chairman, he was a gentleman and showed respect for people whether or not he agreed with their opinions. I share my father's "pearl of wisdom": "Remember, it's just as natural to die as it is to be born." This is a great loss for the Hinch family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Kathleen souza

December 10, 2020

Having served in the N. H. House while Rep. Hinch was a leader, I knew him to be a true public servant and a gentleman. This is a huge loss for his family and friends and our State. With prayers, Kathy Souza

Wolfram von Schoen

December 10, 2020

We only moved to Merrimack a few years ago, and not until 2017 did I even follow local news and politics. Once I got involved in town with MVD, Town Council, School Board etc. it didn’t take long until I met Dick. That in itself is proof how deeply and frequently involved he was with our community. I am thankful for his support for clean water and restitution by any and all polluters, and hope that his colleagues in Concord on both sides of the aisle will honor his dedication thereof and support the bills he just recently submitted. Above all though he was a kind and caring man, and that’s what I will remember most of him. Thank you, Dick Hinch, for showing me what a person with dedication can do for a community and state. Rest in peace.

Nancy and John Murphy

December 10, 2020

On Wednesday Merrimack lost a long-term committed public servant and community leader. My sincere condolences to Dick's family on his passing. May he rest in peace.

Ann Tanguay

December 10, 2020

my condolences to the family,

December 10, 2020

Richard and I began our legislative careers at about the same time. He was blessed to have had the demeanor personality and desire to become one of the best leaders I have known during my lifetime. We have lost a good human being. Condolences to his family and close associates

Rep. Frank Kotowski
Former Chairman, HHS&EA

Rosemarie Rung

December 10, 2020

Like others, I am shocked and saddened by Dick's passing. It was a privilege serving with him for the benefit of Merrimack and the State. My deepest condolences and prayers.

Linda (Wyzanski) Doliber

December 10, 2020

Sincere sympathy to Dick's family and the State of New Hampshire from a fellow classmate, Marblehead High School, 1967. Will remember his smile!

Timothy Troy

December 10, 2020

Offering my deepest sympathies to Dick and his Family. May he Rest In Peace.

Pattie O’Connell

December 10, 2020

Duck was my friend. He was always willing to offer advise and wise counsel. He fought for everything he believed it. I will miss him. Pat thank you for sharing your sweet hubby with the world. Rest in His perfect peace my friend. ❤❤❤❤

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