DUBLIN — Richard C. Willard Sr., 69, of Main Street, died suddenly on May 21, 2010, at his residence.

He was born April 16, 1941, in Peterborough, son of the late Ralph E. and Gladys (Barrett) Willard.

He grew up in Harrisville, attended Keene schools and had been a resident of Dublin since September 1962.

He was employed for 26 years in the Maintenance Department at the New Hampshire Ball Bearings Co. in Peterborough. He retired in 1991.

Mr. Willard had also worked as a caretaker for several families in the Dublin area.

He loved gardening, enjoyed taking rides in his many vehicles, and spending time with his two best friends, Harley and Sam. He also cherished time spent with family.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda J. Willard, whom he married July 22, 1961; his two sons, Richard “Rick” Willard Jr. and his wife, Kimberly, of Dublin and Mark M. Willard and his wife, Karen, also of Dublin; two grandchildren, Jesse Willard and Kylie Willard, both of Dublin; two sisters, Shirley Rogers of Keene and Arlene Main of Swanzey; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Jean Willard, in 1971 as well as his brother, Ralph Willard Jr., and his sister, Jane Bardis.

There will be no calling hours.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Dublin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20004.

The Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street, Jaffrey is assisting the family with arrangements.

To view an online memorial, send a condolence to the family or for more information, please visit www.cournoyerfh.com.