Richard D. Atherley, 57, passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Jacqueline G. (Neveu) Atherley.

Richard was co-owner and a broker at RE/MAX Upper Valley Partners in West Lebanon, N.H. After graduating from New Hampshire College, Richard began a lifelong career in sales. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own several successful businesses.

Richard was an incredibly outgoing person, engaging with anyone he met with ease. Being quick to help others was one facet of his outstanding character. He was an avid tennis player and a dedicated team member in many local leagues.

Richard was an auto enthusiast who enjoyed a brisk drive on a winding country road. He took pride in always improving his lovely home overlooking Anderson Pond in Grantham.

Richard was predeceased by his mother, Margaret (Devlin) Atherley. He is survived by his father, Richard Atherley; a brother, Bruce Atherley, and his wife Meredith; a sister, Beth Butler, and her husband, John; as well as numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

SERVICES: There will be no calling hours or funeral service at Richard's request.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Union Leader on Jan. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Atherley

55 Entries

Jim Constantin

February 23, 2020

I was schocked to learn of Richard's passing yesterday . He was a true gentleman in all that he did. He will be missed but he will be in the hearts of all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends that he left behind.
May God give strength to all make it thru this difficult time.

Andrea, Chris and Alex Head

January 30, 2020

Jackie we are thinking of at this very sad time. We all had some good laughs together. That Richard, with his love of show tunes and decorating coupled with his fear of fire from burning candles and bear attacks from feeding birds, was a heck of a guy. You know hes going to be in Heaven worrying about you. Dont forget your snow boots. Love ya pal. Andrea, Chris and Alex

Roger Clarkson

January 22, 2020

Great guy, but way too young for this to have happened, and so fast to someone so healthy! I admired him as a real estate colleague. He was always fair, and well respected by his peers. I'm saddened that I never had the chance to tell him that.

Libby Cullity

January 22, 2020

Jackie, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's passing. Wishing you strength and a flood of precious memories. You and all of Richard's loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. XOXO

Diane Clancy

January 22, 2020

My heart is right there with you.
Love you cousin

Mary Richard

January 21, 2020

Jackie, Jerome and I am are so saddened to hear of Richards passing. He was always so friendly and caring whenever we ran into him. The last time I saw him was at a showing at our Grantham home. He was positive and encouraging to Jerome and thoughtful with his advice. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Celina Lariviere

January 21, 2020

Jackie, my heart goes out to you in your time of sadness. I am thinking of you in this difficult time.

Louise Landry

January 21, 2020

Richard, at every family occasion you were always so gracious, warm & caring. You will be remembered by all who knew you. To Jackie and all our family, you are in our hearts...cousin Louise.

Rick Hines

January 21, 2020

Jackie, I am so sad and shocked to hear that Rich passed away. I loved playing tennis with him, so much energy and fun and upbeat! I remember his fist bumps when playing tennis! I am so very sorry for your loss. We will miss him so much!

Marie Green

January 21, 2020

This page is dripping with love...we should all strive to touch as many hearts as Richard obviously has...well played, my friend, well played.
Sending love to you Jackie and the whole family, cousin Marie xoxo

Dana Bascom

January 20, 2020

So sad and shocked to lose such a wonderful friend and teammate. Richard was always encouraging, joyful and helpful on and off the court. He actively helped me improve my game. We had so much fun when we played with and against each other. Thank you, I will miss you. Love to Jackie and your family.

Bill Warnken

January 20, 2020

As true as it is, saying Rich will be sorely missed is completely inadequate. Let's honor our friend by always taking him on the court with us . . .and smiling when we least feel like it.

Michelle McVey

January 20, 2020

I will remember dancing in October and the warmth and goodness in Richard's heart. All my love and prayers for you, Jackie.

Pete Ericson

January 20, 2020

My brother Rich, I miss you more than you will ever know. It was an honor to be your friend. We never ran out of things to discuss in both seriousness and hilarity. When I was on the court with you we never lost... the sheer fun of the game. Rest in peace... I am sure the big guy above has some major plans for you.

Kelly Ray

January 20, 2020

Jackie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers for you during this difficult time. Ryan, Kelly, Ean and Kenzie

Elaine Carl

January 20, 2020

Jackie, We are thinking of you and have such fond memories of Richard. Richard was such a shining light in so many people's lives. Please know we are sending hugs, love, peace, and prayers to you, Elaine, Matt, Allison, and Seth

Chris and Linda Arnold

January 20, 2020

We are so saddened to hear this our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family.

Jeanine Chatel Merrill

January 20, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear this news...my deepest sympathies to you and the family Jackie. Richard will be missed. He was such a kind man. Hugs and prayers. Please reach out if I can help you in any way. Love you xxooxx

Robert Neveu

January 20, 2020

Richard Atherley is still a class act in every way possible.
I love you Richard.

Laura Joslin-King

January 20, 2020

So at a loss for words. My love and strength to Jackie and his family and to all of us who have been lucky enough to have been friends with Rich. I will always think of Rich on court 1 at Mountainside, loving the fact that we were all watching him and flexing up at us... His absence will be felt for a very very long time.

B Manning

January 20, 2020

I will always remember that smile and admire how Rich respected the game and both the people he played with and against.Grateful for the times we had and thankful for what he taught me. Prayers for all his family.

Marc Aaron

January 20, 2020

My sincere condolences. May all family members and friends remember how Richard touched our lives. May he rest in peace

Kevin Tombs

January 20, 2020

I am stunned by this sad news. I met Rich playing tennis at Eastman probably 16 years ago. We played tennis together and I competed against him in many matches. He was always encouraging, friendly and caring. When my wife had cancer (she's fine now), he would always ask how she was doing. Rich will be missed by many. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Jeff Adie

January 20, 2020

There are no words....the empty feeling is way too real....stunned and shocked...you touched so many and loved by all....so many things unfinished....I miss you....Condolences to Jackie and the rest of your family...

PJ Cistulli

January 20, 2020

I knew Richard through Mountainside Tennis. He was a great sport and a gentleman on the court! I'm sure he's in a good place right now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Remember the good times!

Shelley Malone

January 20, 2020

For the years that I knew you Richard... He always had a smile and you always brighten the room, thank you for giving us that!
Prayers to you and your family.

Michael Haxton

January 19, 2020

I met Richard on the tennis courts 10 years ago and was on a few of the teams with him . He always had that smile and a was a fun person to be around . I tried to get him to play pickle ball but he always laughed about it and said he was not interested . He finally took it up and it even helped his tennis game . The last time I saw him was on the pickle ball court and I was so looking forward to play more with him . May you rest in peace my friend .

Ken Limburg

January 19, 2020

Richard was a great friend and teammate. Most of all he was like an uncle to my two girls, Sayre and Emma. He practiced with them, we played mixed doubles, even played a tournament with Sayre. Remember him gazing and smiling proudly watching them play. In some ways I feel they were the kids he never had. They always loved to see him and remember how he treated them with respect, even thought they were kids. He was always the one to lend a hand and give support during a match. Miss you already. Jackie, if you ever need to talk, have a little experience in losing a spouse.

David Foster

January 19, 2020

I played tennis many times against Richard, and also with him once on the Mountainside team, and I can say without hesitation that there weren't many people better to be on the court with. He was competitive, but fair and a great sport. I know I speak for many of my Hampshire Hills compatriots when I say he will be missed.

Bo Dean

January 19, 2020

I had the pleasure of competing against Rich in tennis on several occasions. He was an excellent player and a gentleman on and off the court. I am saddened by his death and will miss seeing him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Marcy Holdowsky

January 19, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Richard had such a wonderful smile. We will remember him fondly. Our thoughts are with you. Marcy, Michael, Liane and Rebecca Holdowsky

Roger Hewett

January 19, 2020

Condolences for this horrible loss. Richard was s great person who was happy to see you always accompanied with a smile. He'll be missed.

Eric Parenti

January 19, 2020

So sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.
The last time I saw Rich he was giving me a huge fist bump at the end of a match and Ill cherish that image forever. He said after drive safe and say hi to your family for me. He was so caring and thoughtful, I remember at the closing of our house he was so worried about our dog in the cold truck he talked the lawyers office into letting her inside to sign with us. What a great man, I miss you so much my friend.

Mary Hyde

January 19, 2020

I have many fond memories of playing tennis with Rich. He was always kind, competitive, and full of fun. My family and I send our condolences to his family and friends.

Terry Ray Gould

January 19, 2020

There are no words.... I absolutely expect to see your face and hear your laugh. There are unfinished tennis matches and fun talks about work, cars, carpentry, life and music. The sincere smile as we appreciated the beauty of wonderful friends. Your irresistible big grin looking up and see us all cheering you on when you made a great shot...or completely missed. You are still right there in all of it my friend.

Jeff Flynn

January 19, 2020

I am so saddened. My condolences to his family. I will always remember Richard as a person of great character and a true gentleman.

Joseph and Patricia Waldvogel

January 19, 2020

Your family is in our prayers. You will truly be missed my friend. I was honored to have known you.

Sue Berg

January 19, 2020

Jackie, We were saddened to hear about Richard. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Sue, Jim & Rachel

Jodi Harrington

January 19, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was incredibly helpful, honest and kind. He made selling our homes easy. We felt like we gained a friend in working with Richard. Deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.

Elaine Lascher

January 19, 2020

So sorry for your heartbreaking loss, Jackie. I hope you can find peace in this difficult time. Namaste.

Brenda Molloy

January 19, 2020

So sorry for your loss Jackie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Roger Dontonville

January 19, 2020

Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about Richard. May Peace be with you and the family.

Rick Cecchetti

January 19, 2020

A very tough loss to take for many. God rest his soul.

Judy Varrill

January 19, 2020

May God help those Richard left behind. I only knew Rich through tennis but he is someone that I always remembered. His personality and kindness always shone through even as an opponent and that is why he left his mark on me. He was a special man. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Melissa Robinson

January 18, 2020

Oh Richard! As I always said when I saw his smiling face on any occasion. There was never a dull greeting or moment in his presence. A special soul he was. i I believe he will live eternally in heaven bringing smiles to all who are deserving. We love you Richard.

Stephanie Lesko

January 18, 2020

My life is better because you were in it; always showing kindness and inclusiveness to all. You were my best friend and favorite tennis partner... I am devastated by your loss. I only hope that you are somewhere better - flexing your biceps and doing the moonwalk.

Hoping your family finds peace during this time. Condolences on the loss of a great man.

REEVE FIDLER

January 18, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Richard was a great guy on and off the tennis court. May he rest in peace.

Mary Ann Dion

January 18, 2020

Richard was an awesome person - friendly, funny and intelligent. It is hard to imagine that he is not with us anymore. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Colleen DeAngelis

January 18, 2020

So very sorry for your loss! May he Rest In Peace.

Raymond and Dorothy Hood

January 18, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Deborah Cheever

January 18, 2020

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.

Gerry Stark

January 18, 2020

Dear Richard, my little buddy. I will miss your wise council, your infectious smile and positive attitute. You were a great friend, teacher and brother. I will miss you and remember you for the rest of my life.

Elliot Hansen

January 18, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear this, we had just worked together and closed on a house last year. Richard was one of the best broker's to work with in my many years of real estate. Very kind and very responsible and caring person. He will be missed by many I am sure.

Leila

January 18, 2020

We all love Rich. He was a bright spot in the dreariest of days. Rest well friend to all. We shall meet again.

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