Richard E. "Dick" Amidon

1927 - 2015

HANCOCOK – Richard E. "Dick" Amidon, 87, of Hancock, died Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, after a short illness. He was born on Nov. 16, 1927, in Worcester, Mass., son of Charles H. Amidon and Elizabeth Elkins Amidon. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for New Hampshire Ball Bearings in Peterborough, for 23 years, rising to the position of senior vice president. He also served a term as a representative to the New Hampshire House. He later served as Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the New Hampshire House, as well as director of the Office of Legislative Services.

Richard was active in the Hancock community, serving as a selectman and later as moderator. He was a member of the Hancock Fire Department for 16 years, and was also instrumental in preserving Hancock's historic railroad depot and the adjacent Camp Guild property. He was a longtime member of the Hancock Congregational Church. He also served on the building committee for Conval High School, was a trustee of the Peterborough Savings Bank, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He is also remembered for being a founding member of Hancock's Jug Band, which entertained the town for many years.

Richard loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family. He loved playing with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, interacting with animals, and doing woodworking and construction projects. He was always ready to help his family, friends, neighbors, and community in any way possible.

Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor Carleton Amidon; three daughters, Lesley Perkins and husband, Tom of Fairhaven, Mass., Cynthia Amidon of Hancock and Marcia Lusted and husband, Greg of Hancock; seven grandchildren, Sarah Cass Skillin, Gregory Cass, Jessamyn Dechert Irwin, Myles Dechert and Nicholas, Samuel and Thomas Lusted; and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Hancock, 47 Main St., Hancock, NH 03449.

Jellison Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary, or to leave the family a condolence, please visit jellisonfuneralhome.com.