Salem, N.H. – Richard (Dick) Stanley Dow, 78, died Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice Center in Haverhill, MA.
Born on March 7, 1932, Dick was raised in Haverhill, MA. He graduated from Haverhill High School in 1950. He served in the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the VFW in Methuen, MA. For many years he worked at the Stride Rite Shoe Factory in Haverhill. In 1986 he retired from Quality Control at the Merrimack Valley Paper Company in Lawrence, MA.
Dick enjoyed playing cards and keno, reading, and travel. One of his favorite getaway spots was Old Orchard Beach. He also found time on Sundays for old movies and family get-togethers.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife Edna (Desrochers), with whom he shared 32 years, as well as sons James R. Dow and wife Sandra; Gerald G. Dow and wife Charlene; daughter Sandra J. Keeler and husband David; grandchildren Jeremy and Jarrett Dow, Bethany and Bradley Keeler; and Erica, Christopher and Nicholas Dow. He is also survived by Edna’s three daughters, Sue-Ellen Higgins, Priscilla Parolise, and Marlyne Wilde, and Edna’s 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He has a half-sister, Pat, who resides in Virginia.
Visiting hours will be on Thursday March 18, 2010 from 6 to 7 pm at The Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem, NH. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice Center, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, Ma. 01843 or to Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 8 Pleasant St., Salem, NH. 03079.