Richard J. Caswell

Richard James Caswell, 74, of Manchester, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was known by many names: Dick, Dickie, Dad, Pops, Padre, Grampa, Cas, Uncle, GUD, Rocketman, The Tuck Master, Big Mouse, and others that we are certain he wouldn’t want shared in print.

Throughout his 74 years, he touched the lives of countless people, each relationship authentic and truly cherished. His life was full of deeply rooted connections that he formed with every person he met, no matter the stage of life.

He was born in Manchester on July 31, 1951, to Donald and Isabell (McCloskey) Caswell and spent his childhood in the Prout Park neighborhood of the city, where he learned to play tennis — a sport that became one of his lifelong favorites. Following his graduation from Memorial High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea.

He worked for the U.S. Postal Service in many roles, retiring from South Station on February 1, 2013.

Richard and April spent many years as friends before their bond grew into a love so pure and deep that it became the envy and model for everyone around them.

He was well known in the city and in his retirement community in North Port, FL, for his competitive sports — softball, pickleball, bowling, and tennis — and his not-so-competitive sports of golf, cross-country skiing, mini-golf, cornhole, wrangling his grandchildren, and his love of tuck, a game that earned him a few choice nicknames from his closest friends. His circle will never enjoy a game of tuck, a round of golf, listening to music, or relaxing with a frosty beverage without thinking of him or toasting to him.

He enjoyed watching many things: people, birds, planes, his grandchildren, and of course, his beloved Eagles. He could often be found sneaking cookies or snacks and signaling to his grandkids with a quiet gesture not to tell on him.

He was always present at backyard barbecues, taking everyone in and savoring every moment of joy. At parties, you would find him out on the dance floor without a care in the world, kicking his feet to “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack,” and the Electric Slide. His favorite of all was dancing with the love of his life, April, while friends and family looked on in envy of the love they shared. He danced the way he lived his life — with joy, humor, and not a care in the world about what people thought of his style.

He was the person you could talk to when you needed someone to listen without judgment and to offer honest answers in a way that was genuine and kind. He was the epitome of patience (albeit a bit particular about things like dry sinks, painting, and the height and pattern of his grass).

Most importantly, he taught us all not to take life too seriously; to always say “I love you” when you say goodbye; that family is not always traditional, and often includes anyone who needs a place to belong; to always be fair and honest; to love yourself and own your own truth; and to take time to stop and truly enjoy the small joys life has to offer.

To say he will be missed is an understatement.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, April; his children Sean and Karen Caswell of Medford, MA; Stephanie and Christopher Strandson/Ouellette of Manchester, NH; Elizabeth and Brian Pinard of Manchester, NH; and Benjamin and Emily Hebert of Manchester, NH. His grandchildren include Tyler and Kamini Caswell of Henniker, NH; Griffin Caswell and Abby O’Connor of Manchester, NH; Evan and Amelia Caswell of Deering, NH; Robbie Connelly and Lauren Balsamo of Marlborough, MA; Sean Connelly of Westfield, MA; Isabelle Strandson of Medford, MA; Owen, Chelsey, and Madelyn Strandson of Manchester, NH; Emma and Stephen Chapman of Grand Cayman; Natalie Ouellette of Manchester, NH; Autumn and Leah Boisvert of Dunbarton, NH; Emmett and Andrew Pinard of Manchester, NH; Cassidy Hebert of Manchester, NH; Courtney Carrier of Lexington, SC; Madison Carrier of Charleston, SC; and Cameron Carrier of Waianae, Hawaii.

Richard also had two daughters, Jeanette Boisvert and Rebecca Carrier, and although they were estranged, he loved them dearly.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Isabell (McCloskey) Caswell; his brother George Caswell; and his brother Donald Caswell. His surviving siblings include Sheila Caswell of Lynchburg, VA; Mike Caswell of Antrim, NH; and Sharon Caswell of Raymond, NH.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4pm to 7pm. An additional visiting hour will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10am to 11am with a funeral service to follow promptly at 11am. All will take place at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester, NH.

Richard was known for his love of music, and the family plans to share this love during visiting hours. Please share your favorite songs or memories via email to caswellplaylist@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name may be made to any ALS organization, St. Jude, or any other charitable organization of your choosing.