To never lose one’s childlike joy and curiosity, while at the same time having the mental megabytes to program one of the world’s first computers, summarizes the life of Dean Richardson in a nutshell. Dean, the beloved husband of 61 years of Lise Richardson, passed away quietly at home Sunday, March 3rd, 2019, where he had been tenderly cared for. Lise, his sons Derek and Spencer, his daughter-in-law Loretta, and grandson Paul were with him.
He was predeceased by his sister Louise Wilson of Marcellus, N.Y. Dean is survived by his younger brother William and wife Cristy of Pittsford, N.Y., as well as by his own family and his sons’ wives, six grandchildren, and eight nieces and nephews. Dean was born January 13, 1936 in Potsdam, N.Y. The strong family values that shaped his upbringing shaped his own family, friendships, successes, and selflessness. His career started in the U.S. Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska at Strategic Air Command in 1957, working with and programming the Univac—one of the world’s first computers.
He was afterwards hired by the New York Central Railroad to continue his programming career and then asked to manage a group of programmers. In 1965 he moved from his office in Grand Central, uptown to the United Nations where he helped develop and implement innovative computer systems dealing with accounting, bookkeeping and payrolls. Most of these systems were still in use well into the 1990s.
In 1968 Dean was hired by IBM’s World Trade organization. While at IBM, he traveled throughout Europe and the Far East. He made numerous friends abroad, as making friends was one of Dean’s greatest strengths—as was his ability to never forget a name!
He and Lise warmly welcomed people from all over the world into their home and, wherever they came from, they felt like they were home. Dean pursued numerous passions throughout his life including flying, skiing, tennis, playing and coaching hockey, as well as being an avid hiker and camper. He was a talented amateur musician, known for playing the piano every evening for Lise while she washed up the dishes.
He was a vocal coach and member of the Wolfeboro Village Players and Clear Lakes Choral. He volunteered extensively in the Wolfeboro community, giving his willing help to small and large projects alike, whether that be helping replace the seats in the Village Players Theatre, projects with the Libby museum, or helping with two of the loved benches in downtown Wolfeboro in Cate Park and at dockside. He will be truly missed, but his loving touch remains.
There will be a memorial service in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Central NH VNA and Hospice.
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