Richard Burdett Birch

Richard Burdett Birch, 96, of Nashua and formerly of Hollis, NH, died on December 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born in Cambridge, MA, on June 8, 1929, son of the late Harold W. Birch and Elizabeth B. Birch and was the loving husband of Nancy Collins Birch for 71 years. He lived in Belmont, MA, until they were married in Newton, MA, on February 20, 1954. They started their family in Sharon, MA and moved to Nashua, New Hampshire in 1959 and to Hollis in 1970. They have been residing in independent living at The Huntington of Nashua since 2016.

Dick was a graduate of Belmont High School, Class of 1947, and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Colby College in 1951. He completed additional coursework toward his masters at several institutions including Boston University, where he met his wife Nancy, Bentley University, Babson College, and Dartmouth College.

He proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1950-1958.

Dick’s employment history included Shawmut Bank, New England Mutual, Ryerson Steel, and Edgcomb Steel, where he worked for 28 years. Afterward, he worked 10 years as a REALTOR alongside his wife Nancy, at Simonds/DeWolfe Real Estate, before their retirement.

Dick was an active member of his faith community at Congregational Church of Hollis and was also a member of Bay Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida.

He was a dedicated community member, serving as President of the Nashua Kiwanis Club, Ward Selectman, a Junior Achievement mentor, a member of the NE Iron League, and a charter member of the N.H. Colby Club.

Dick’s hobbies included golf, tennis, hiking, travel and enjoying the outdoors. He was a BSA merit badge counselor and leader for Hollis Troop 12. Although not an aspiring farmer himself, he supported his children in 4-H, building 2 barns for the horse, chickens, sheep, turkeys, rabbits, ducks and pigs. He loved going to his parent’s summer home in Brownington, VT, where he has relatives in the cemetery dating back to our country’s roots, and his two eldest sons started their farming careers. Many happy holidays were spent at the farms. He especially cherished summers at the family’s camp on Barker Pond in Sebago, Maine, and since 1997, winters spent in Florida. Above all, he loved time with his family as Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa (a.k.a., Pop-Pop).

He was predeceased by all of his siblings: Sylvia B. Robinson, Louise B. Carr, Eleanor B. Wilson, and Francis W. Birch, as well as his grandson Gary S. Birch.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Collins Birch, and their children Kent C. Birch and his wife Jeannette (of West Glover, VT), Scott B. Birch and his wife Melinda (Derby, VT), Carol W. Birch (Hollis, NH), and Craig H. Birch and his wife Cheri (Hollis, NH). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Andrew W. Birch, Ian L. Birch, Rachel E. Todd, Jared R. Birch, and Kamala C. Birch; and his great-grandchildren Mylie Logan, Autumn Birch, Hannah, Ida & Lucy Birch, Harper Todd, and Bodie Birch, and many nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Hollis, 3 Monument Square, Hollis, NH 03049, on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11 am with reception to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Employee Appreciation Fund (EAF) at The Huntington at Nashua (55 Kent Ln., Nashua, NH 03062), the Congregational Church of Hollis (3 Monument Sq., Hollis, NH 03049) or Bay Presbyterian Church Bonita (26911 S. Bay D., Bonita Springs, FL 34134). The family is especially grateful to The Huntington’s Kent Village nursing staff who provided such compassionate care during his last days. An online guestbook is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com. “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”