Richard A. Neilsen Sr. KEENE — Richard A. “Dick” Neilsen Sr., 86, of Keene, New Hampshire, and a former well-known longtime resident of the Walpole, New Hampshire, community, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at the Pheasant Wood Care Center in Peterborough, New Hampshire. His parents, Annette (Gosselin) and Laurence M. Neilsen Sr., welcomed their son into the world on Dec. 30, 1934, in Springfield, Vermont. Dick grew up in Springfield and was a graduate of Springfield High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Dick attended Keene Teachers College and went on to earn his Master degree of Education from the University of New Hampshire. He spent his professional career in the education system, starting as a teacher in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, before becoming a successful and well-respected principal at the Villas School in Alstead, New Hampshire. An active member of his community serving others in need, Richard was a longtime member of the Walpole Lions Club. A man of great faith, Richard was a parishioner at St. Joseph Parish in Walpole, serving as Eucharistic minister and lecture at the Sunday masses. Having a wonderful voice, Richard was a longtime member of the Cheshiremen Barbershop Chorus in Keene, providing enjoyment to many as a member of the chorus, as well as several quartets. He enjoyed tennis, golfing, and was a member of the Hooper Golf Club in Walpole. Well-known as an antique car enthusiast, Richard could be seen driving around town in his classic 1966 Mustang, participating in many of the local parades and events. In his earlier years, he was a coach with the Walpole Baseball Little League. He also taught driver’s education and was never hesitant to offer loving criticism to his own children’s driving skills long after they had their driver’s license. Another one of Dick’s passions was traveling. He and his wife, Jane, took many cruises, trips around the U.S. and around the world. Many of their vacations were to attend barbershop chorus conventions and competitions. He will be greatly missed by many in his community, however, more so by his beloved family, his children, Richard A. Neilsen Jr. and his wife, Mellony, of Leland, North Carolina, Jason E. Neilsen and his wife, Diane, of Marlborough, New Hampshire, Kristin M. Boule and her husband, John, of Penacook, New Hampshire, Peter C. Neilsen and his partner, Bonnie Sargent, of Penacook; his grandchildren, Ian, Jason, Catie, Aiden, Lizzy, Emalie, Lexi; his great-grandchildren, Reynald IV, Mila, Kingsley; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members, including the LeDrew and Neilsen families in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Richard was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Jane I. (Gonyou) Neilsen, on May 4, 2007; two brothers, Laurence M. Neilsen Jr. and Alfred “Skip” Neilsen; and a sister, Jean LeDrew. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 11 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, 38 Church St., North Walpole, New Hampshire. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Drewsville Road (Route 123), Drewsville, New Hampshire. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, New Hampshire. All those in attendance at the calling hours, funeral Mass and committal are required to wear facemasks and to maintain the physical distancing requirements. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Neilsen’s memory to the National Barbershop Harmony Society, 110 Seventh Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203, or by going online to www.barbershop.org. To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.fletcherfuneralhome.com.
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