John M. Richardson, 98

LACONIA — John M. Richardson, 98, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Jan. 14, 2024, after a brief illness.

He was born on Nov. 8, 1925, in Lakeport, the son of Merle and Alice (Ranger) Richardson.

In his youth, John played baseball and hockey. He continued to play hockey well into his adult years, acting as goalie for the Laconia Lakers.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1943, just before his 18th birthday. He served on subchaser 981 (USSC 981) in the southwest Pacific and in the Philippines. He was docked in the Philippines and aboard ship during the bombing of Japan at the end of World War II. On July 10, 1944, his ship escorted a troop transport from Madang to Aitape, Papua New Guinea, to reinforce U.S. troops that were being pushed back to the beach by reinforced Japanese troops. In 2008 he received a letter from the Navy Department and a combat action ribbon for that operation. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

He married Annie Woodworth in 1952 and celebrated almost 60 years together at the time of her passing. They have five children and 10 grandchildren.

John started his life insurance career as an agent with Prudential Insurance in June 1952, later joining National Life of Vermont in 1957. He retired in 1992 after 40 years as a life insurance agent. He still holds National Life’s record for having made at least one sale every week for 1,750 consecutive weeks or 35 years!

John enjoyed singing barbershop music with the Lakes Region Chordsmen and sang in several barbershop quartets. He and Annie traveled to many places around the country and Canada for competitions and concerts. He also enjoyed golf, playing several times a week into his early 90s.

He was predeceased by his parents Merle and Alice, his wife Annie, brothers Robert and Allan and sisters Dorothy and Anne. He was also predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Sunny Richardson.

Surviving family members include his children Coral Theberge and her husband Steven, Scott Richardson, Todd Richardson and his wife Susan, Randy Richardson, and Blythe Poll and her husband James. Grandchildren include Eric Richardson, Sarah Richardson Kuzyk and her husband Christopher, Dakin Billin, Mackenzie Billin, Camden Gustafson, Mitchell Bolding, and Cody, Carissa, Brooke and Nathaniel Poll. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Carter and Hunter Kuzyk, Hilary, Cody, and Lily Poll, Emma, Levi and James Taylor, his sweet companion Betty Percival, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m., at the United Baptist Church, 23 Park St., Lakeport. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to the Activities Department at the Belknap County Nursing Home, 30 County Drive, Laconia, NH 03246.

His children would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Belknap County Nursing Home staff for all the loving care they gave to John during his residency.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.