William F. Richards Jr., 86

MEREDITH — William “Bill” Frederick Richards Jr., 86, of Meredith, passed away suddenly on May 17, 2026, at his beloved “camp” in Stewartstown.

Bill was born Oct. 17, 1939, in Laconia, the son of William F. Sr. and Orilla (née Marden) Richards.

Bill graduated from Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith, class of 1957. Throughout his younger years he worked for White Mountain Power. In 1963, he started his own excavation business, W.F. Richards & Son Inc., with his father. When his son, “Will,” graduated high school, he continued to stay actively involved in the company alongside his son over the next 40 years. From trading positions of being in the hole to driving the big 10-wheeler, Bill worked with his son until the day he passed.

Bill called Meredith home, though he spent most weekends at his camp in Stewartstown, and the winter months in Cape Coral, Florida. In Meredith, he was a member of the fire department, retiring in 1969. He also served on the original board of directors for First Bank & Trust Company. Additionally, Bill was a lifetime member of Laconia Elks Lodge #876. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions at the Elks Carnival where he could often be found behind the fryolator cooking french fries. In Stewartstown, he was an active member as well as the past president of the Swift Diamond Riders, the local snowmobile club. In Cape Coral, he loved spending time enjoying the Florida sun in his pool lanai with his family and friends all winter long.

Bill is survived by his loving companion of over 30 years, Helen Cormier; a daughter and a son, Jennifer Ames of Gilmanton, and William F. III (Carolyn) Richards of Meredith. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Brianne Siepiola (Ryan), Tyson McKenna, Brittni Grandmaison (Jefferey), and William F. Richards IV; four great-grandchildren, Bianca and Eli Siepiola, and Gally and Reginald Grandmaison. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Bill was fondly known as “Bumpa.” He was predeceased by two siblings, Ann Marden McAdams and Wayne Joseph Richards; and his son-in-law, Kevin Wayne Ames.

Calling hours will be held for family and friends at the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 26. 

A family burial will be held at a later date at the Meredith Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Bill’s memory to Meredith/Inter-Lakes Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1076, Meredith, NH 03253.

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