Philip Henry Richard's Obituary
Philip Henry Richard of The Glens at Birkdale in Huntersville, NC passed away February 24, 2026. Born February 5, 1942 in Portland, Maine to Virginia Oakes Richard and Henry J. Richard. Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Martha (Griffiths) Richard. He leaves behind his son, Braden J. Richard and wife, Stephanie, of Lake Stevens, WA; daughter, Susan L. Spencer and husband, James, of Indian Trail, NC; and son, Matthew J. Richard and wife, Kelly, of Concord, NC. Five grandchildren also survive his passing.
Phil graduated from Morse High, Bath, Maine, Class of 1960 (Go Shipbuilders) and University of Maine (1964) with a BS in Industrial Management. After basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, he returned to Portland to begin a 30-year career with Aetna Life & Casualty, involving moves to Hartford, Detroit and finally, Syracuse, NY. After retirement, he purchased a Mail Boxes, Etc. franchise in a Syracuse suburb which he sold in 2001.
On September 23, 2003, after disposing of the house and most belongings, Phil and Martha embarked on a full time RV lifestyle in their 5th wheel trailer. Making The RV Resort and Yacht Club in Hilton Head their official address, where he served as Board Secretary. They traveled the US, spending portions of each summer in Maine and the winters in Florida and Texas. Over the years they visited all the lower 48 states. In the fall of 2008, they joined the Glens at Birkdale Commons community where he was a very active resident with 2 terms as Chair of The Residents' Committee and publishing a monthly newsletter. Phil was also a 6-year volunteer at Novant Hospital in Huntersville.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 - 10:30am, Monday, March 2, 2026 at James Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am at St. Mark Catholic Church following the visitation. The Mass will be livestreamed and may be viewed by clicking LIVESTREAM. Inurnment at Northlake Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors, will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00pm.
James Funeral Home is serving the Richard family. Memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.JamesFuneralHomeLKN.com
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