AMHERST – Robert M. Richards, 85, died Nov. 20, 2010, at the Crestwood Nursing Home in Milford surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 12, 1925 in Portland, ME to Karl W. and Sallie Corbin Richards. He was raised in Needham, Mass. and was a graduate of Needham High School and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He also attended Wentworth Institute. He served in the Merchant Marine as a third officer mate during World War II and later served in the Naval Reserve for many years.

After the war he began his career as a brick mason and once worked on Fenway Park in Boston. When he moved to New Hampshire he established his own business and began a long career in brick masonry specializing in antique restoration.

He was a member of the Amherst Historical Society and played adult softball and hockey for many years. He and his wife Flora were members of the United States Lighthouse Society and enjoyed collecting light house memorabilia from around the world. He was also a devoted animal lover and supported many different animal shelters in the area. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading history. He had a life long respect for the sea and a passion for ships and sailing.

His hobbies included puttering in his workshop caring for his home in Amherst as well as his house in Moultonborough on Lake Winnipesaukee. He was also always ready for a game of croquet with his grandchildren. He enjoyed both volunteering and clean-up at Meals on Wheels in Milford, plus making new friends with other seniors in the area.

His family includes two daughters, Elaine Cummings of Peterborough and Linda Sakellar of Amherst; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Flora in 2007.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Dec. 12 at the Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, NH at 2 p.m., family and friends are invited to attend.

Burial will be in the N. H. State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor, Bethesda, MD 20814 or to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey NH 03446.

To send a condolence or for more information please visit www.cournoyerfh.com.