Richard A. Janelle

Richard A. Janelle, 82, of Bedford, died October 7, 2024, at Hillsborough County Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 3, 1942, he was the son of the late Andrew and Rita (Comeau) Janelle. He was a graduate of Ste. Marie High School; earned his BA degree from St. Anselm College; and his master’s degree from Wesleyan University.

Richard was a dedicated educator who worked as an 8th grade science teacher with the Bedford School System for 38 years before retiring in 2002. He co-founded the McKelvie School Mt. Cardigan Outdoor Experience with fellow 8th grade educators. He also started and coached the first coed school volleyball team and Olympics of the Mind team for Bedford. He also sold real estate with Coldwell Banker and The Norwood Group during the summer. After retirement he helped his wife with childcare for the grandchildren which he said was his favorite job, especially rocking the babies to sleep.

Richard was a true pioneer, having designed and built one of the first solar homes in New Hampshire (all during the blizzard of ’78). He and his wife Patricia were one of the first people to begin geocaching in New Hampshire. He was extremely proud to have written the novel “Salmon Falls 1956”.

He enjoyed hiking, camping, white water rafting, snow shoeing, skiing Tuckerman’s Ravine, travel and reading mysteries. He spent a weekend atop the Mt. Washington Observatory in mid-Winter. He coached Little League baseball and was an avid Red Sox fan, traveling to Toronto, Baltimore and Fort Meyers spring training to watch the team. He loved being surrounded by family and friends and hosted the annual “Greater Pinardville Family Volleyball Tournament”, making many cherished memories. Richard will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Family includes his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia (Healy) Janelle of Bedford; three children, Mark Janelle of Nashua, Dave Janelle and wife Alyssa of Henniker, and Ann Berthiaume and husband Paul of New Boston; seven grandchildren, Madison Janelle, Elizabeth Morel and husband Xavier, twin grandsons, Chris and Spencer Janelle, Brian Berthiaume, Will Janelle and Jack Janelle; two sisters, Lorraine Roy and husband Bob of Goffstown and Madeline Perron and husband Gerry of New Boston; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm, with a Memorial Service beginning at 7pm on Tuesday, October 15th, at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North St., Manchester, NH 03104. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.