Oliver J. Richards

Oliver J. “Bub” Richards, 78, of Manchester, NH passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at his residence in Manchester, NH.  

Mr. Richards was born on July 31, 1945, in Leroy, Illinois, the son of the late Buster E. and Aletha L. (Hosler) Richards.

From age 2 he grew up in Roxbury, MA until he joined the Navy at the age of 17 as a “Kiddie Cruiser” and after he completed his tour of duty, traveled a little until he ended up in California where he was employed by Papermate in Santa Monica. He worked as an injection molding mechanic until his early retirement in 1997. That same year, he moved to Manchester, NH with his wife, Carol, with whom he spent 36 years of marriage.

Bub worked at several different part-time jobs until he found what he called the best job he ever had as a Meals-on-Wheels driver. He left that job around 2007 to enjoy full retirement.

Bub loved to fish and had a number of favorite fishing spots across the country. In his earlier years, he also loved to shoot darts and was a member of several teams. In his later years, those who knew him well knew that he always carried a bag of dice with him and was always ready to play his favorite game of “Greed” anytime. He always loved having pets which brought him much joy. His first dog was Puggy and his memory always stayed with him. Over the years, he also fathered Radar, Pepper, Tramp, Kelly, Blackie, Tyson and Mia.

Bub always kept a positive attitude through his numerous health issues and never let them keep him from enjoying life.

Members of his family include; his wife, Carol (Cordier) Richards, of Manchester, NH; a son, Timothy Richards and his wife, Liza, his daughter, Carla and her husband, Albert,  four grandchildren, Hanna, Cassie, Kacie and Joey, two great grandchildren, Lia and Dante. Bub also leaves his sister, Evelyn and her husband, Fred, and many nieces and nephews. Bub was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Louise, Marilyn, Pat and brothers, Sonny and Eddie and his special nephew, Brian. 

It's hard to sum up Bub’s life in a few short paragraphs as he has traveled many roads from Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, California and then New Hampshire. There are dozens of people who meant a lot to him, so although you may not be mentioned by name here, you know who you are and we hope you keep your memories of him close to your heart.  

SERVICES: There are no calling hours.  

It has been suggested that those who wish may make memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, 46 Milford Street, Manchester, NH 03102, in memory of Bub. hcmow.org/donate

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/