Michael George Richard, “Bumpa” 77, a lifelong resident of Milford NH, passed away on February 27, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with myelofibrosis.

Born on November 7, 1943 in Nashua NH, he was the youngest child of Postmaster Paul A. Richard and Esther Jane (Clyde) Richard. Mike graduated in 1961 from Alvirne High School in Hudson NH. A varsity player in three sports, he held several high school soccer records, including the record for highest number of goals in a season. A record that held for over 20 years.

Mike enlisted in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. It was while serving at Parris Island, SC that he met, and married, his wife Sandra, a Marine, on his 21st birthday, November 7, 1964. After honorably discharging from the service, Mike & Sandra bought their forever home in Milford. Pursuing higher education at Lowell Technical College, Mike continued to work at Sanders Associates, and later became a longtime employee of Hollis Engineering in Nashua, where he became Materials Manager.

Mike is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra, and his four children, Kymberly, Paula, Deborah and Michael. His grandchildren lovingly referred to him as Bumpa, Adina, Joel, Alexsandra, Robert, Renato, Zayn and Matt, great grandchildren, Gabrielle and Jackson and bonus daughter, Laura and his special girl Molly. He is also survived by his two brothers Raymond and Robert, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, brother-in-law and sons-in-law, and many friends.

Mike was very active in the Milford community that he loved. Serving as Chairman of the Milford School Board, President of the MCAA, and a member of the American Legion Post 23. One of his greatest joys was coaching his children in Milford’s recreational sports leagues. Coaching over ten soccer teams, he thought of many of his players as his surrogate children and kept in touch with many of them over the years.

An avid golfer, Mike played several times a week with his friends from Club National in Nashua, and they enjoy yearly golfing trips for over 20 years. He particularly enjoyed his monthly gatherings with lifelong friends from his high school graduating class. In the evening, you would often find him enjoying a good bourbon and a fine cigar.

The entire Richard family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the dedication of Mike’s long-time medical team. Doctors Guatami S. Rao and Robert M. Zinnes provided the highest level of medical care with compassion and professionalism. Mike’s final days were supported by the nurses from the Home Health & Hospice Care in Merrimack. Their assistance allowed Mike to pass, in his own home of 50 years, with dignity, peace and loving family members by his side.

It was Mike’s final wish to be cremated. His son, Michael, will place some of his ashes in cigar tubes, to be taken and spread across the 18th hole of many of Mike’s favorite golf courses.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date where he will receive military honors at Riverside Cemetery in Milford, NH. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.