We are saddened to announce the passing of Michael F. Richmond at his home in Claremont, NH at the age of 64.

Mike was born on March 14, 1962 in Bellows Falls, Vt. To Frank and Janice Richmond. He grew up in Claremont where he attended Claremont public schools, graduating from Stevens High School in 1980.

He then joined the Navy ROTC, from which he received a scholarship to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1984. In 1985 he joined the US Army where he completed basic training at Ft Dix NJ with the 501st Intelligence Company. His MOS was in Cryptologic Linguist (a.k.a. Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor), which involved 47 weeks of Russian language training. He was stationed in Germany for two years, after which he received an Honorable Discharge in 1989.

From there he moved to Minneapolis, MN, where he became a high-ranking officer of the Eagles club, and remained there until his return to Claremont in 1993. After working at Lacrosse Footwear and other jobs in the area, Mike finally found his passion for education, and knew that was where he belonged. He spent the next few years with the SAU in Claremont, teaching at Unity Elementary School as a paraprofessional. He extended his teaching role as an instructor of Adult Education, after which he earned his Teaching Certificate. He then transferred to Stevens High School, where he taught for several years. He also became a member of the Claremont Moose Club, where he held the position of Administrator.

In 1997 he joined the American Legion Post 29, to which he was incredibly dedicated. Mike was a 29-year member of the Post and held the positions of Sergeant-at-Arms, Junior Vice Commander, and 15 years as the Adjutant of Post 29, while doubling as as the American Legion Department of NH District 6 Adjutant for eight of those years. His final position was Junior Vice Commander of the Post.

Mike was a collector of many items, including coins, comics, and stamps, but his passion was for cooking. He prepared multiple meals for the Post and for the community. His Wednesday night wings were always the most popular.

Mike is survived by his mother Janice Richmond, his father Frank Richmond, his brother Scott Richmond, and his brother Michael Burnett and his wife Roxanna Barnaby.

He was predeceased by his brother Dustin Burnett, stepmother Bonnie Richmond, paternal grandparents Kathryn and Foster Richmond, and maternal grandparents Alvin and Jane Moye.

Services will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, at 2PM, followed by internment at the Union Cemetery in West Claremont.

Afterward, the family invites all to join them to celebrate Michael’s Life at the American Legion Post 29, 119 Broad Street, Claremont NH.