Richard T. Whiteside Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Hampton—Richard T. “Dick” Whiteside, 86, of Hampton, died peacefully Saturday, March 26, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Malden, Mass. December 16, 1929 a son of the late Wilson E. and Elsie (Gridley) Whiteside. Dick joined the US Army at an early age and served honorably as a veteran of WW II. Dick began summering in Hampton in 1978 and moved there permanently after retiring from Exxon in 1982. He had a lifelong fondness for the outdoors and all the arts of rugged living. From fishing, to hunting, to raising ducks and geese, he was always entertaining one project or another. He admired the crafty and industrious, kept an immaculately organized garage, and was endlessly improving on and maintaining his growing properties, in which he took great pride. Dick was also an avid motorcyclist, a hobby he shared with his children and grandchildren. Dick presided as “Papa” over an ever growing brood of family, which he watched increase with a pride exceeding that which he took in his properties. At Papa’s house a warm welcome graced an ever-burgeoning extended family of children, grandchildren, in-laws, long-lost cousins, countless close family friends. Papa particularly cherished the children, fondly watching their interactions and marking their personalities. Our ranks reached five full generations and picture-time elicited jokes about aerial photography. Dick possessed a legendary stubborn-streak and a firm, fighting spirit for which he should be remembered. His indomitable will was wonderfully matched by his jolly, mischievous humor. It was an adventure to undertake a chore for Papa and it was a joy to listen to his stories. He will be dearly missed. He leaves his wife, Helen J. (Kourtis) Whiteside of Hampton, three children, Richard T. Whiteside and wife Suzanne, Laura Boccelli and husband Michael, Mark DeFeo and wife Lisa all of Hampton, 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, his brother, Edward Whiteside of Salem, and a niece. He was predeceased by his first wife, M. Elaine (Denning) Whiteside in 1971, his two daughters, Elaine Wilson and Patricia Scire, and one granddaughter Donna (Wilson) Post. Visiting hours will be from 4-7 P.M. Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockingham VNA & Hospice, c/o Community Relations: Attn: Vivian Brown, Exeter Hospital, 5 Alumni Drive, Exeter, NH 03833.

Richard T. Whiteside

December 16, 1929 - March 26, 2016