Richard “Richie” D. Cowette, Sr., 88, of East Derry, N.H., died Wednesday October 15, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on September 25, 1937, Son of the late Bernard and Josephine (Ziemba) Cowette.
Richie was born into a large loving family of eight brothers and sisters, they were a very tight knit family, and he was never without a playmate. Richie would often remark about what a wonderful childhood he had growing up on a farm in Manchester.
After High School at Bishop Brady in Manchester Richie enlisted in the Marines and was based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After leaving the military Richie moved back to Manchester and became an Iron Worker with Local 474, the union that was started by his father, Bernard H. Cowette. Richie loved Iron Work, it was truly in his blood.
In 1958 Richie met the love of his life, Beatrice Cowette, and they were very happily married for 57 years before her passing. Richie and Bea raised their family in East Derry where Richie built their family home where they raised their five children. A stranger to no one, Richie, was friendly, sociable, gregarious and always took the time to connect with people. Richie was there for everyone to lend a helping hand to neighbors, strangers, and anyone who needed help. He loved the outdoors, fishing, and hunting throughout N.H., especially in Pittsburg, N.H. where his family owned and still owns Camp Otter. He was an avid golfer who belonged to Hoodkroft Country Club in Derry where he golfed with many of his closest friends. Richie’s true joy in life was his family, which he cherished.
Richie is survived by two daughters, Susan Cowette of East Derry, Caroline Cowette of Newton, Massachusetts; and three sons, Richard D. Cowette, Jr. of Derry, Anthony Cowette and his wife, Kathleen of Londonderry, N.H. and Jason Cowette and his wife, Jennifer of Bedford, N.H., Six grandchildren, Nathan, Adam, Jack, Emily, David and Samuel, five great-grandchildren, Aiden, Grayson, Nolan, Jordan and Piper, three brothers, Donald Cowette of Gilford, NH, Thomas Cowette of Manchester, NH and Daniel Cowette of Manchester, NH. He is predeceased by his son, Joseph Cowette, his five siblings: Bernard H. Cowette, Robert Cowette, Paul J. Cowette, Josephine Cowette and Patricia Field.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Thursday October 23, 2025 from 4 to 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday October 24, 2025 at 10:00am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, East Derry. In lieu of flowers, please visit the NH Audubon Society to make a donation in Richie’s memory.