Malcolm A. Richards

Concord – Malcolm “Mal” A. Richards died Tuesday April 10, 2012 at Pleasant View Center with his family at his side. He was born in Concord to the late Ralph and Beulah (Bugbee) Richards on May 2, 1931.

Mal served in the US Air Force as a Staff Sergeant from 1949-1953, stationed in Texas, Massachusetts and Cold Bay, Alaska. He was employed by Sears Roebuck and Co for 39 years as an appliance salesman, retiring in 1992. Mal was active in the US Jaycees. He served as President of the Concord Chapter and VP of the NH Jaycees. He was active in Concord American Little League and served as Player Agent for 4 years. Very active in local politics, Mal served as an election official for Ward 4 in Concord for 49 years. He was the Moderator from 1989-2011. He also worked for the Secretary of State, Bill Gardner, at election time each year on ballot distribution, vote verification, ballot canvassing and recounts from 1993-2011. Mal was the Doorkeeper and Assistant Doorkeeper of the NH State Senate from 2001 – 2006. Mal also volunteered for many years at Concord Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit. He was a member of the Finance Committee of Wesley United Methodist Church. He also spent a few years working at the NH International Motor Speedway after retiring. He was an avid, lifelong fan and follower of all the Boston sports teams, but most importantly loved time with family, friends and vacationing at York Beach, Me. for 48 summers.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara (French) Richards of Concord, one daughter, Valerie Perkins and her husband Jeffrey of Concord, two sons, Todd Richards and his wife Susie of Lynchburg, Va., Jeffrey Richards and his wife Tracy Soltis Richards of Kingston; six grandchildren, Matthew Perkins and his wife Monica, Michael Perkins and his wife Elissa, Jamie Didawick and her husband Dustin, Daniel , Ryan and Lauren Richards; 5 great grandchildren, Cameron, Nathan, Kelsey, Cooper and Cassidy Perkins; a niece and 3 nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Warren Richards and sister Mildred St. Pierre.

Calling hours will be held at Bennett Funeral Home on Sunday, April 15, from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, April 16 at 10:00am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 79 Clinton Street, Concord. Burial will be at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, NH Chapter, PO Box 183, Londonderry, NH 03053.