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Richard Piper Obituary
New York, NY - Richard D. Piper,72, died suddenly on March 3, 2025 in New York City, the City he loved and called home for over 45 years.
Dick was born on September 1, 1952, in Manchester NH to Nancy Kuzmich Piper and Richard S. Piper. He achieved the honor of Eagle Scout in the B.S.A and earned membership in The Mayflower Society. Dick graduated from Manchester Memorial High School in 1970, third in his class, and with honors from Dartmouth College in 1974. He also spent a year abroad studying at the Sorbonne University in Paris where he became fluent in French. During his time there, he had the opportunity to work at the 1972 summer Olympics in Germany. Dick went on to receive both a Master's degree and PhD. in French Literature from Brown University, where he met his future husband, Robert Riger.
Together they travelled the world, eventually settling in New York City where Dick had a number of interesting jobs including working as an Administrator for the American Scandinavian Foundation and as Office Manager and Assistant to the President of Anne Taylor. He loved reading, antiquing, art and the theater, especially Broadway. Gardening at their home on Shelter Island was also a favorite pastime. Dick was well known for his "perfect" Christmas trees decorated with antique ornaments, and for being an excellent cook. The dinner rolls he made from scratch were a family favorite at Holidays. He was also a very caring pet parent to his cat Michagaus and dogs Lucky and Lady.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, and his husband. He is survived by his brother Thomas Piper and wife Kristin Spath of Concord, NH; sister Patricia Marchand and husband Danny Marchand of Manchester NH; niece London Piper and her children Dylan and Sage; nephew Benjamin Piper and his children Zoey and Grady; and nephews Nathan and Cody Marchand. He is also survived by his dearest friends Leila and Ron Cathcart and Michel Picone and partner Michael Larkin.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Piper
6 Entries
Carol Coronis
March 19, 2025
It's a day to hear of Dick "Duke" Piper's passing this month. We went to school together from grades 1 through 12; in grammar school, we were in the same classes all 8 years. I remember years of so many of us playing on the school playground together at recess. If I remember correctly, he was our 8th grade class president, too. We graduated from Manchester Memorial High School where we were both in Drama Club together. Dick was brilliant and he was an extremely talented artist. He was always a person who everyone liked. Dick was among the best of the good guys. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Cathy LaFleur
March 17, 2025
Dear Patty and Danny, I´m very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Lafond
March 15, 2025
Tom and Pat,
My condolences on the loss of Richard a/k/a Dukie. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless!
Robin Smith
March 15, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Tom and Kris and the entire family. He had a very impressive life.
Love Robin.
Joe Raczka
March 15, 2025
So sad to hear of Dick's passing. I graduated grammar school and high school with Dick. My wife (Gail McAllister) also graduated high school with him. They were in the same homeroom. I tried to reach him back in 2020/2021 for our 50th class reunion. Would have loved to connect with him again. He always impressed me with how smart he was. Such a talented man. RIP.
Kathy (Marineau) Theophilos
March 15, 2025
I was sorry to learn of Dick's passing in the Manchester Union Leader. Dick and I were at Memorial HS together and, while he was 1 year behind me, we were both Drama Club members and were in productions together. Such a nice guy. It warmed my heart to read about his success in life, both personally and professionally.. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends
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