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Richard ‘Dick’ Burpee

Jan 7, 2021

Richard “Dick” Burpee died Monday, January 4, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua. Up through his last moments he used technology to text, chat, FaceTime and call all of his friends and family who were dearly important to him.

He is survived by his adoring wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Richard) Burpee to whom he was blissfully married for nearly 49 years.

March 27, 1946, was the day Dick entered the world he was born to Henry and Gabrielle (Plante) Burpee.

A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Dick served his country as a medic until he was honorably discharged.

Dick spent well over half of his life in education, whether he was in school learning something new, starting his career as a math teacher, branching out into bringing technology to the classrooms of the early 80s, or wrapping up his career as the Principal of Nashua High, he loved learning. He also loved being the coach, mentor, counselor, and when needed the disciplinarian in a fair and consistent way.

Dick never met a rocking chair or a cookie he didn’t like, oh wait, scratch that… he hated peanut butter. He could often be found watching the waves crashing, sitting in his rocking chair on the porch or finding a place of comfort in quiet solitude. The New York Times’ crossword puzzle didn’t stand a chance against Dick’s skills, as a matter of fact, he would complete any crossword he could get his hands on every day. That being said he was also a dearly devoted family man and friend to so many. People commented on how gruff his voice may sound but that inside he was a softie. He would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him at a moment’s notice.

In addition to his wife Elizabeth, he is survived by his two children, Jonathan Burpee and his wife Alisa Wedin of Anchorage, Alaska and Jennifer Grantham of Nashua: His six grandchildren, Chloe, Nathan, Marina, Dylan, Riley and Brooke were the light of his life. He was often heard bragging about their latest accomplishments. He is also survived by his two sisters Marge Christiansen of Meredith, NH and Mary O’Neill of Bluffton, SC; his in-laws John Richard and his wife Susan of Nashua, Louis Richard and his wife Nancy of Nashua, and Ruth Richard of Newport, VT; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Daniel Burpee and his son-in-law Jerry Grantham Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to Dick’s graveside service and military honors presentation on SATURDAY, January 9th at 11:30 am, in St. Louis Cemetery, 752 West Hollis St, Nashua. Interment to follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley St., Nashua. To leave an online condolence, story or message, please visit www.Anctil-Rochette.com.