Robert L. Richard, 78 of The Villages, FL, passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Cornerstone Hospice. Bob is predeceased by his parents Lionel and Bertha (Gingras) Richard.
He was born on June 27, 1940 in Manchester, NH and graduated from St. Marie High School. He earned his Bachelor Degree in History from St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, NH in 1962 on a full scholarship from the Amoskeag Bank. He earned his Master’s Degree in American History from Fordham University in New York, NY in 1963. Bob’s working career was spent teaching Social Studies at East Catholic High School, Manchester, CT. He was Chairperson of the History Department at that school. A highlight was chaperoning students on a tour of Russia. He retired in 1999 after having influenced many young lives and helped to steer them in the precise direction to lead good and honest lives.
Bob and Betsey Chapman were married in 1999 and moved to The Villages and enjoyed eighteen years of wedded bliss and retirement. They both appreciated a visit to England for the Millennium staying with friends there.
Bob was an avid sportsman and especially enjoyed playing baseball, golf, tennis, softball, pickle ball and bowling. Bob loved the ocean and spending time at the beaches.
He was passionate about stamp collecting (Philatelic). He collected stamps from all over the world and in doing so acquired much knowledge about various countries. He also sold stamps to other collectors using E-bay.
He was intrigued with trains, both passenger and freight. He and Betsey spent time riding the rails and visiting railyards.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Betsey, his daughter, Lisa Richard of Windsor, CT., his son, Mark Richard (Kim), his granddaughter, Julia Richard all of S. Windsor, CT., his sister, Irene Howe of The Villages and longtime family friend, Patty LeBrun of Windsor, CT. and two nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Villagers for Hospice Inc., at 601 Casa Bela, The Villages, FL 32162-9985
Funeral Services will be conducted at Hiers Baxley Funeral Home on Buenos Aires Ave in The Villages on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at the Lady Lake Cemetery in Lady Lake, FL directly after the service.
