Richard "Dick" Raymond Richards Jr.

Dick, also known as RRR, was born on April 21, 1957, in Greenfield, MA to Richard and Marjory Hayward Richards. A graduate of Greenfield High School in 1975, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Thailand and Korea from 1975 to 1979. Despite his exposure to Agent Orange during this time, ultimately leading to his Parkinson’s Disease, he’d want to be sure you knew that “he’d do it all again!”

His service time was followed by a short stint on the B&M Railroad as a conductor, not only following in his father’s footsteps, but also solidifying his obsession with all things train. He then joined the Keene Police Department, obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration at Franklin Pierce University, and advanced through the ranks, finally retiring as a lieutenant in command of special services in 2009.

Dick married Louise Moody Richards on June 18, 1983. Their bond carried them through 42 years of marriage. They truly enjoyed each other’s company, sharing many adventures together including summers in Maine and trips to Bermuda. In recent years you could find them on the rail trail, with their dog, identifying the latest bird sightings, or visiting with friends and neighbors on the front porch.

Dick’s heart tripled in size when their daughter Kathryn E. Richards, “Kate,” was born, almost on his birthday, in 1991. Dick made it his mission to be the most present, loving and proud dad. And he sure did succeed.

In addition to Dick’s honorable Air Force and police careers, he co-wrote a series of books on railroad history and became the number one lover of animals, especially his two shih tzus Sophie and Tucker and his kitty Izzy who died on March 18, just two days after he did. Dick built an awesome model railroad, drove a mean Mustang, gave the best hugs, and continued to make everyone laugh up until his last days.

Dick leaves behind his wife Louise, his daughter Kate, and many beloved family members and close friends.

Special thanks to the staff at Covenant Living for their outstanding care of Dick and his family over the last year.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on May 16, 2026, at the Keene Country Club, 755 West Hill Road, Keene, from 1-3pm with words of remembrance at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass and consider a donation in Dick’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to the Keene Covenant Living Employee Appreciation Fund. For Dick’s railroad enthusiasts, donations can be made to the Boston and Maine Railroad Historical Society, or the Historical Society of Cheshire County.