Richard Alden Nelson ... avid gardener; at 87

STRAFFORD - Richard Alden Nelson, 87, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

Born October 4, 1935, in Boston, he was the son of William and Elsie (Norman) Nelson.

He grew up in Strafford and graduated from Austin-Cate Academy. He was drafted into the service during the Korean War and trained as a paratrooper for the Army Airborne. He had a long career working as an industrial engineer for Eastern Air Devices in Dover.

Richard enjoyed working outdoors. He was an avid gardener, woodsman and mechanic. He loved his property in Strafford and was constantly making improvements to it. He loved his family most of all.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Laroche), daughter, Lori and husband Philip Shiere, five grandchildren: Celynne Ambrose (Joshua), Stephanie Grant (James Jr.), Philip Shiere Jr., Sophia Souflis (George), and Faith Shiere, four great-grandchildren: James III (Tripp) and Alden Grant, and Elsie and Emma Ambrose, one brother, Bruce Nelson of Barrington. He was preceded in death by son Richard Jr. (Ricky), brother William and sisters Dorothy Giguere, Shirla Nelson, and Debra Tridenti.