Raymond S. Richardson

Raymond S. Richardson, 95, passed away on September 26, 2025, at RiverWoods in Exeter, NH, after a period of declining health. He was born on July 17, 1930, in Rumford, ME, son of the late Merle and Angelina (Fisher) Richardson.

Raymond was one of ten children, raised on the family's dairy farm in Rumford, where they also kept chickens, logged their woodlot, and sold cordwood locally. Raymond excelled in football at Stephens High School and proudly played offensive tackle on the 1948 state championship team-an achievement he fondly remembered throughout his life.

Following graduation, Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving honorably from 1949–1950 until a hand injury in food service led to his early discharge. After returning home, he sought work at manufacturing plants in Bridgeport and Bristol, CT. While there, a chance introduction through a co-worker-who happened to be the father of his future bride-led him to meet the love of his life, Jeannette LaMothe. The two married on January 24, 1955, and made home in a two-family house living on the second floor above her parents. Together, they built a loving family with two children, Barbara and Scott.

Professionally, Raymond's background in food service led him to a career as a federal meat inspector, working with NH Provisions and Schultz Hot Dogs. He was a regional union president for his fellow food inspectors. Beyond his work, Raymond was deeply devoted to his community and the outdoors. He volunteered countless hours with the Boy Scouts of America as a committee chairman, scoutmaster, and advisor of the Order of the Arrow. He also served as the first President of the PHS Girls Booster Club and was an active member of the Portsmouth American Legion.

Raymond's faith was an important part of his life. While living in Portsmouth, he was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church, and in later years at RiverWoods, he became a faithful communicant of St. Michael Church in Exeter.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jeannette, and eight of his siblings.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Stephen Brooks; his son, Scott Richardson; his grandchildren, Nicole Lemay and her husband, George, Cassandra Richardson, Meghan Brooks, Aaron Brooks, and Trevor Brooks and his wife Lexi; great-grandson, George Scott Lemay; his sister, Marie Jessup; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with military honor on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM at St. Michael Church, 9 Lincoln St., Exeter, NH. Family and friends may visit with the family prior from 10:00-11:30 AM at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH.

Following a reception after the Mass at the church, burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Portsmouth, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either Catholic Charities of NH at https://www.cc-nh.org/ways-to-give/donate/ or Scouting America at https://donations.scouting.org/

For more information, please visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com