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BORN
1953
DIED
2024
Richard VanEtten Obituary
Warner, NH - Richard Granville Van Etten, 71, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024 surrounded by family at his home in Warner, NH.
Born on January 30, 1953 in Bethpage, Long Island, Richard is the son of Louise Van Etten, husband to Sarah Allen, and father of Sam and Jack.
Richard attended Bethpage High, graduated Brown University, and went on to travel far and wide. Those travels took him to Nepal with the Peace Corps, twice to a research station in Antarctica, and throughout New Zealand and southeast Asia.
A love of the oceans led him to work at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, where he met the love of his life. Together, they moved to an old farmhouse in Warner, NH, started a family and made many wonderful friends.
Richard was eternally thankful for his mother, who raised 7 kids on her own in Bethpage, and then moved to New Hampshire from Florida to help raise her grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his six siblings, his family, and his dog Finn, who misses him very much because Mom won't let him on the bed. The family plans for a small private service.
In lieu of sending flowers, please plant some local pollinator species or donate to Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice.
-Hony Hony-
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard VanEtten
Mike Stadler
January 5, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the VanEtten Family. I was saddened to learn of Richard's passing. Though we have lost contact over the years Richard was there for some of the most important events (adventures and memories) of my life. There was Peace Corps training in Nepal, the Everest Trek, traveling through southeast Asia. Best wishes to Richard on his next adventure whatever it may be!
Tony Millham
November 19, 2024
I worked with Richard at WHOI for several years before he moved to Warner. He was a fine man and I am sorry for your loss.
Aaron Smart
September 4, 2024
Sarah, Boys ... I'm so very sorry to learn of Rich's passing. He and I worked together many years ago in Concord. He was a great mentor and just a wonderful, very down-to-earth person. Condolences to you all.
Aram calhoun
September 3, 2024
Whenever I see a dahlia, I think of Richard. I was always surprised by the poetic bent in his writings which reflected his highly sensitive nature and kindness. He lives on in his dear family.
George Zarycky
September 1, 2024
Truly sorrowful news. Rich possessed acute intelligence. I always sensed his reserve was about observation and curiosity. During the tough economic times after graduating college, we both worked manual labor at the school district. We never considered an honest day´s work somehow beneath us. I so wish we gad stayed in touch. I lived around the world as a foreign aid & assistance officer. We would have had lots to talk about. My sincerest condolences to Rich´s family and closest....
Muriel de Beaumont
August 30, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. Our family knew them very well. Louise was a great Mom!!
Roger Davis
August 30, 2024
A fine man, and a fine lacrosse player. He was a pleasure to know.
Carol Isbell
August 30, 2024
May all the special memories you shared give you and family peace. Blessings Carol Kern Isbell
Paulette Karas
August 30, 2024
Richard and I go back to third grade. I remember him as a kind person with a generous heart and soul. My heartfelt sympathies to his family.
In Greek we say, "Eternal Be His Memory"
Joanne ( Napoli) Houseman
August 30, 2024
It is sad news to hear of Rich's passing. The video he sent for our 50th high school reunion was much appreciated and told of full, rich and significant life. I send condolences to his wife and family and pray that his memory be a blessing. Joanne (Napoli) Houseman.
Heather and Joe Astle
August 29, 2024
So very sorry to hear of your loss, may your shared memories bring you much comfort during this difficult time. Heather and Joe and family
Pat Libby
August 28, 2024
So very sorry to read of Richard´s passing. I have thought of him often over the years, and his memory always brought a smile to my face. Rich was the kindest, gentlest soul I´ve ever known, treading gently on this Earth that he loved so much. Rest in peace, friend.
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