Richard H. Cole

He was educated in the Lynn, MA public schools, graduating in the Class of 1944 from Lynn English High School.

Following high school, Richard served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Following the military, he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from New England College Class of 1951.

In his career in engineering and construction, he was employed by the MA Highway Dept., as a Highway Design Engineer, by Metcalf and Eddy Consulting Engineering in Thule Greenland and was an engineer for the NHDPW.

In 1957, Richard entered a partnership with the late E. David Swett in the Heavy Highway & Bridge Construction Business, becoming sole owner of E.D. Swett, Inc in 1972. He retired in 1995.

He served as Trustee Emeritus of NEC and Past President and life member of AGC, NH; Honorary Life Member NHGRA; past member of Concord Country Club and Vero Beach, FL Yacht Club. He was particularly fond of traveling, having visited over 60 countries.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Nancy Swett, Elizabeth Pond and Margaret Pope;

He is survived by his wife, Lois Ida Willson, and five children; Susan Korjagin and her husband, Tony of Bow, Stephen Cole and his wife, Nancy of Wolfeboro, Nancy Mayo and her husband, Mike of Bow, Michael Cole and his wife Melinda, of Penacook, Kathryn Sampson and her husband, Mark of Boscawen, and many grandchildren and great grand-children.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 5 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a scholarship fund established in Richard’s honor: “Richard H. Cole Scholarship Fund”, at the NH Charitable Foundation, 37 Pleasant St. Concord, NH 03301 or to CRVNA Community Services, The Slusser Center, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.

Bennett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Messages of condolence may be offered at www.bennettfuneral.com