Richard Dow

FRANKLIN--- Richard N. Dow, 68, formerly of Victory Drive, died on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Mountain Ridge Center, Franklin. Richard was born on June 16, 1955, the son of the late Walter Owen Dow and Faye Dorothy (Boyce) Dow of Franklin, NH. “Dicky” welcomed everyone he met with a big, warm smile and a cheerful greeting. He was a wonderful son, and brother. Always positive and upbeat, with a big heart and thoughtful words, even while dealing with many physical challenges. Dicky was born in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School. He worked at Franklin Regional Hospital and Eastman Foundry. He loved spending the summers at the family cottage on Webster Lake, where he would fish and swim. He was known for being able to hold his breath for a very long time and would chase turtles under the water until he caught them, just because he could, and then always let them go free. He would make his mother mad for staying under the water for too long; she was afraid he’d drown. His sisters have many fond memories of Dicky: Picking Mayflowers with him in the spring, playing cards and listening to music. Most importantly, he saved one of his sisters from nearly being hit by a train when they were kids. The two were walking across a span of railroad track. His sister froze half way across as a train was approaching. Dicky ran, picked her up and carried her to safety. He was an amazing brother. He was an outdoor sportsman and enjoyed riding his Harley in the beautiful NH summers, until a motorcycle accident in his late 20’s left him disabled and in a wheelchair. After the accident, Dicky lived in an active, local group home where he spent his time woodworking, volunteering at Franklin Hospital and being active in the local community. He also enjoyed playing cards and cribbage and spending time with his family, especially his mother whom he absolutely adored. Family members include his brothers, Walter N. Dow, and Michael A. Dow; sisters, Ellen M. Mendiola, Kathy L. D’Andria and Christine A. Sheedy; and many nieces and nephews. Dicky will be missed and always remembered fondly by all who knew him. There will be no calling hours. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the spring. Memorial donations can be made in his name to The Franklin Animal Shelter, Franklin, NH or Concord Hospital in Franklin, NH (Formerly Franklin Regional Hospital).

Tributes

Richard Dow

June 16, 1955 - November 20, 2023