Herbert Douglas Richardson, Jr.

Herbert Douglas Richardson Jr.
12/25/50 - 3/7/23

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hebert Douglas Richardson Jr. 72, of Lancaster NH.

Born on December 25, 1950 in Pelham, NH, “Herbie” loved his Moxie, gambling, dirty jokes, all of the local breakfast spots between Groveton, Jefferson and Whitefield and always being the only “no” vote, but can best be remembered by everyone, one of three ways:

“Welcome to Shaws!” As the produce manager of Butson’s and Shaws in Lancaster for more than 30 years, his smile and his voice was the first greeting customers received when coming in to shop. His energy, commitment to a quality product and a strong work ethic set the standard for a positive shopping experience for every customer in Butson’s, Shaw’s and Purity Supreme, where his grocery career began 50 years ago.

His passion for the political forum and commitment to helping others is probably what he was best known for. He spent almost 40 years on local school boards, as a selectman, on budget committees and 18 years as a State Representative - a position he was most proud and passionate about. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Arthur Peabody and brother, John Richardson (the first grandfather/grandson combination to serve in New Hampshire’s State House). He was most proud of his role as the Vice Chair of the Science, Technology & Energy Committee, the numerous bills that he sponsored and cosponsored, and all of the people he was able to help with fuel and electrical assistance, energy efficient housing projects, handicap accessibility upgrades to personal homes throughout the north country and community buildings like Lancaster’s Town Hall, and negotiating the installation of the LED street lights on Summer and Main Streets.

Finally, his commitment to his family. Herb was a husband, father and grandfather who worked tirelessly to provide for his family and give them the best life possible. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rita, who together set the standard for building the most amazing family. Son Doug Richardson and partner Melissa Vashaw, daughter Nicole Brisson and husband Aaron, daughter Kate Sorochak and husband Jamie, grandchildren Hailey, Daniel, Miles and Eliza. For 47 years you saw him at sports games, band concerts, school events and grandparent’s days from as far back as the 1990s and 2000s to recently with his grandkids. “Papa” was able to watch Hailey’s state championship field hockey game, Daniel’s hockey games (especially proud of Daniel’s time spent in the penalty box) and Miles’ climbing classes in Littleton. Despite being too young for sports and school, his role in Eliza’s growth and development was there to the end, finding a way to pull things together and sing the “ABCs” with her in his last hours.

He was predeceased by his parents Hilda (Peabody) and Herbert Douglas Richardson Sr. and a brother John Woodbury Richardson.
In lieu of services, there will be a celebration of life for friends and family on May 20th.