Richard Ernest Fletcher

Richard Ernest Fletcher, 89, of Goffstown, NH passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was born in Grasmere, NH in 1935 to Ernest W. Fletcher and Erlene M. Fletcher. He is a graduate of Goffstown High School Class of 1953. He played all sports from 8th grade to his senior year. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He worked for Burnham Brothers and then owned Fletcher's Oil Service in 1971. He joined Goffstown fire department as a volunteer firefighter in November 1958. He served in the Goffstown Fire Department for a total of 40 years. After 17 years as a volunteer firefighter and captain, he was appointed Fire Chief in September of 1975. During his tenure, Chief Fletcher improved the quality of the fire service by upgrading fire apparatus and continually recruiting and maintaining a highly skilled and trained firefighter force. Chief Fletcher also oversaw the creation of the Goffstown Emergency Medical Association (GEMSA). and the beginning of ambulance services to the residents of Goffstown. After 21 years of full-time firefighting service, he retired as a Fire Chief on January 31, 1997.

Richard continued his public service to Goffstown, serving as a State Representative representing Goffstown in Concord for 5 years. His term was from 1999 to 2004 and 2007 to 2008. He has served continuously as a Goffstown Water Commissioner since 1997. Richard has been an active member of the Town Budget Committee, representing the Water Precinct and he served on the Parks and Recreation Commission and served as a Budget Committee Representative from 1998 to 2023.

In addition, He coached Little League Baseball. He was active in the VFW, Wesley Wyman Post 16. He was a proud supportive father, grandfather and husband Richard loved his family. He leaves a wife of 67 years, Arline M. Fletcher, three children, Sandy Fletcher, Wendy (Todd), Richard Eric Fletcher. He is predeceased by his daughter Brenda (Kennedy) in 2022, his sisters June (Myers), Patricia (Hill), several cousins, nine grandchildren, Brittany Todd, Sonya Ritter, Aaron Todd, Brookes Kennedy, Brett Kennedy, Nicole Ritter, Julia Ritter, Meagan Rollins, Ally LeBlanc, and Eric Skye Fletcher. A graveside ceremony and celebration of life is planned to be held late spring/early summer of 2025. There will be no calling hours and The Family will release the date for his celebration of life in the Spring of 2025. Donations in his memory can be made to the Goffstown Fire Department. For more information or to sign an online guestbook please visit www.frenchandrising.com.