Richard G Smith

With deep love, we announce the passing of Richard George Smith, 86, of Concord, who passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28th, 2026. Richard was born in Haverhill, MA on July 22nd, 1940, and he was the oldest son of Lorraine (Ordway) Smith and Harold Smith. Richard, known as “Dick” to family and friends, and “Dibby” to his beloved grandchildren, will be remembered forever as a kind, intelligent man who loved life and his adventure-filled journey through it. He was a devoted son, a caring big brother, a loving husband, a welcoming friend, an adoring grandfather, and in our opinion, “the best father in the world.”

Richard was born and raised in Haverhill, MA and his first job was as an ice-cream scooper and “soda jerk” at Wassmacco’s Ice Cream Stand in Haverhill, an experience which he loved to recall in later years. Richard was extraordinarily intelligent, and he distinguished himself academically in his public school years and later in college, graduating from Lowell State Teachers College in 1962 as Senior Class President. Richard went on to earn Master’s degrees in English from both Boston College and the University of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, where he lived for a year with his first wife, Barbara, who became the mother of his two beloved children, Lauren and Steven, who they raised together. Richard then began a nearly four-decade career as a high school English teacher and Chair of the English Department at Masconomet Regional High School in Topsfield, MA. He was known as a dedicated teacher with an incredible work ethic who excelled at teaching advanced English courses while at the same time having a special talent for engaging reluctant learners.

After retiring from his teaching career, Richard spent many years enjoying his life in Hampton and travelling with his second wife, Janet Smith, to whom he was married for over 30 years until her passing in 2021. Dick and Janet enjoyed trips throughout the United States, as well as to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Richard also fully embraced his role as grandfather to four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren during these years, and will be remembered by Molly, Katie, Bria, Quinn, Carson, Kate and Colin for his humor, generosity, kindness, and over-the-top silly antics.

Richard had a true love for adventure and fun and he enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and horseback riding, as well as quieter pursuits such as avid reading of biographies and history. Richard loved Western TV shows and loved to recite (in his booming voice) the opening lines of his favorite childhood television show, “The Lone Ranger.” He also never forgot his humble roots and was an incredible bargain-hunter, enjoying nothing more in life than “getting a good deal.”

Richard was a man who forged deep connections with those he cared about. He was always social, outgoing, and engaging, and he had special bonds with his brothers Bob, Wayne, and Bill, his stepson, Richard Murphy and his wife Patty, his son-in-law, Jay Henry, his daughter-in-law, Alyssa, his good friend Aaron Blais, and his late-in-life girlfriend, Irene Goldstoff. Most of all, however, Richard was an amazing father and grandfather. His daughter, son, and grandchildren always knew how much he cared about them and that they were deeply loved by him. They were truly blessed to have him in their lives for all these years.

Richard is survived by his children, Steven Smith and his wife Alyssa of Naples, Florida and Lauren Henry and her husband Jay of Concord, New Hampshire; his brothers Robert Smith and Wayne Smith; and his four beloved grandchildren, Molly Henry, Katie Henry, Bria Smith, and Quinton Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janet Smith, and his brother William Smith.

Visitation will be held at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, on September 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by a Chapel Service at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, on September 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.