Richard Earl Hufnagel Sr.

Richard E. Hufnagel Sr, 88, of Londonderry, passed away on May 23, 2025, at home surrounded by family. He was born on April 21, 1937, in Providence, RI to his late parents John Earl and Helen Frances (Mac Iver) Hufnagel. Richard was raised and educated in Warwick, RI and graduated from Aldrich High School with the Class of 1955. After high school, like so many of his generation he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, Richard began his lifelong career working in the insurance industry, eventually retiring as an Executive Senior Vice-President and Chief operating officer with Amica Life Insurance. Believing in the value of a secondary education and lifelong learning, he attended Rhode Island College graduating with his bachelor’s degree. In a simple ceremony, he married the love of his life, Shirley J. Bartlett on October 3, 1960.

Richard, who was known for being selfless, would often help those who were less fortunate than himself. He enjoyed the many simple pleasures of life, from spending time on the golf course, trying his luck at the occasional game of cards, wood working, gardening, and enjoying company with friends and family. After his retirement, he and his wife settled in Bonita Springs, FL where they made many friends, and then moved to enjoy the South Carolina sun in Aiken, SC. Wanting to be closer to family in New England, they finally settled in Londonderry, NH. Richard was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

As the cherished patriarch of his family, Richard is survived by his two children, his daughter Deborah A. Mercurio and her husband Thomas of Fort Myers, FL and his son Richard E. Hufnagel Jr. of Norfolk, VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, his granddaughter Nicole J. Coelho and her husband Ryan and their children Emma and Jaxson Coelho, and his grandson Corey T. Mercurio and his wife Kayla and their daughter Alexis, all of Warwick, RI. In addition to his parents and his beloved bride, Richard was also preceded in death by his sister Florence McLaughlin.

A Private graveside funeral service with military honors for Richard will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, 6365 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.