Richard W. Mayer

Peterborough, NH Richard "Dick" W. Mayer, 98, of Peterborough died on March 29, 2016 at Rivermead Center after a period of failing health. Dick was born in New York City on July 13, 1917, the son of Robert and Elsie Mayer. He grew up New York City and attended the University of Michigan and graduated with an MBA in 1939. He served in the United States Army Air Corp in Scotland during World War II. When the war was over, he began his business career in Boston, where he met his wife Rachel. After initially raising their two sons, Ronald and Robert, in the Wellesley - Needham area, they moved to New Jersey in the mid 1950 s when Dick was promoted to the W.T. Grant Company corporate offices in New York City. After becoming Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board in 1968, Dick retired in 1974 and later moved to Hanover, NH. He and Rachel lived in Hanover for 16 years before moving to Rivermead in Peterborough in 1996. His greatest pleasure in life was sitting on the deck of his summer cottage on Franklin Pierce Lake in Antrim, which he had purchased in 1955. For over 60 years, Dick taught family and friends how to swim, water ski, and sail, opening his heart and his lake house to so many. He was a competitive golf, tennis, and bridge player, known for still beating his sons at tennis while he was in his 80's. The family nicknamed him "Man of Mysteries" for his love of reading mystery novels from Antrim's James A. Tuttle Library. Upon retirement, following his wife Rachel's example, Dick became an accomplished potter, juried by the New Hampshire Arts and Crafts League. Besides his great passion for his wife and family, Dick was also an avid dog lover. Survived by his two sons, Ronald and his wife Nancy of North Smithfield, RI and Robert and his wife Susan of Park Ridge, NJ, Dick will be sorely missed by his six grandchildren: Erin, James, Tristan, Alison, Bobby and Tracy; two grandsons-in-laws; and five great- grandchildren. He will also be warmly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their children. Dick was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Rachel, and his sister Edna Zimmerman. A joyful celebration of Dick's life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in Rivermead's auditorium , 150 Rivermead Road, Peterborough. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dick's name to: James A. Tuttle Library, P.O. Box 235, Antrim, NH 03440.

---