Richard A. DesRoches

Salisbury – Richard A. “Dick” DesRoches, 81, of Salisbury, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, with loving family by his side, at Country Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Newburyport after a lengthy illness. He was born on July 11, 1934, in Amesbury a son of the late Romeo and Lenore (Patnode) DesRoches. Raised in Amesbury, he attended Saint Joseph’s School and graduated from Amesbury High School with the Class of 1952 where he participated in many clubs and enjoyed performing in the school theatre, being voted ‘Best Actor’ by his classmates. Shortly following his graduation Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and happily served his country during the Korean War. He was selected in open competition as Soldier of the Month as the most outstanding soldier in the 24th Infantry Division during September 1954. Above all, Dick was especially proud of his time spent on Special Duty with the Chaplain’s Section where he spent two months assisting the chaplain by helping with religious services, playing the organ, making improvements to the chapel, and helping to organize parties and programs for thousands of Korean orphan children throughout the Christmas holiday. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and then went on to a long career in positions of increasing responsibility with the former Bailey Corporation in Seabrook, NH, retiring in 1996 after 44 years of service. Of all his jobs, Dick would tell you that his favorite was being a father. He was most happy in the company of his family and his greatest joy was his five granddaughters. During his retirement Dick enjoyed reading, gardening, theatre, and movies. Dick shared 56 years of marriage with his wife, Jeanne E. (Parent) DesRoches. In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Michael DesRoches and his wife Linda of Londonderry, NH, Laurie Harrigan and her partner Rick Girardin of Portsmouth, NH, Stephen DesRoches and his wife Linda of North Attleboro, five grandchildren, Casey, Molly, Courtney, Emma and Olivia, his sister, Lenore “Pat” LeBlanc of Amesbury, and several dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Robert and Edgar “Slugger” DesRoches. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dick’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.StJude.org. Arrangements are by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton, NH.

Richard A. DesRoches

July 11, 1934 - October 14, 2015