Chester E. Richards, 83, a lifetime resident of Claremont, NH died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 with his loving family by his side.

A son of the late Orman and Edith Richards, he was born September 26, 1927 in Claremont, NH.  Mr. Richards was a graduate of Stevens High School and served in the United States Army and was a proud veteran of WWII having served in Italy.

Chester began his career with Hadley and Son Industry, where he became a renowned cabinet maker and highly sought after for his expertise.  Later he went on the open his own business which he owned and operated for a number of years.  Chester was also employed by Joy Manufacturing Company and retired from Marro Home Center in Claremont.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed cooking and made a great number of his very own special recipes, which he shared with family and friends.  Reading was a huge part of Chester’s life.  It was very common for him to read several novels a week.

Members of his family include his wife of 57 years, Lucille E.  (Lemieux) Richards; his sons, Chad A. Richards and his wife, Gail of Avon, MA and Karl Richards of Claremont; one grandson, Kraig R. Richards of Claremont, and one brother, Orman Richards, Jr.of Chester, VT. Two other special people in his life were Karen and Rick Howard. 

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Dow of Windsor, VT and Edith Johnson of Manning, LA.

Private graveside services will be held at St. Mary Cemetery, Claremont, with military honors in the spring.