Richard "Pudgy" Cass, 76 a lifetime resident of Claremont, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday, April 24, 2023.

Pudgy was born on August 19, 1946 to William and Anna Cass. He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1964. After high school, he studied mechanical engineering at Claremont Vocational Technical College. He went on to work and retired from that field. After a short retirement, Pudgy began working as a dispatcher at Golden Cross Ambulance. The 15 years he spent there were his favorite of his working years. He loved the work, the people, and contributing to the community. He was a lifetime member of the Sons of the American Legion.

Pudgy married the love of his life Dona, in 1978. They enjoyed spending quality time together. Their favorite activity was taking long drives through the New England countryside, exploring nature, and trying local restaurants.

The greatest joy of Pudgy's life was his family. Pudgy and Dona had 5 children together. The family has many happy memories. Some of the most cherished memories include long nights at Claremont Speedway, annual family vacations, and Sunday dinners at their home. He adored his grandchildren, and there was nothing he loved more than supporting them in their passions. Many hours were spent on the sidelines or in the bleachers. They will miss their Bampi and his guidance, but they know he is with them in everything that they do.

Pudgy was a dedicated and well-loved friend. There was nothing he wouldn't do for the people he loved. Some of his strongest friendships were built through the sport of racing. You could find him most weekends at the racetrack. His love for racing was inherited by his sons and grandchildren.

Pudgy is survived by his wife Dona, as well as his 5 children, Brandi Cass-Chambers and her husband Rick Chambers, Wendi Belisle and her husband Greg Belisle, Travis Cass, Pete Cass and his wife Stephanie Cass, and Candi Cass and her husband Timothy Teeter. He was a beloved Bampi to his 9 grandchildren: CJ Gosselin, Hannah Carpenter, Kelsey and Luke Belisle, Emma, Anna, Allison, and Owen Cass, and Aiden Teeter. He had one great granddaughter, Caroline Carpenter.

Pudgy and his family were very appreciative of the care he received while at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Visiting hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, NH on Sunday afternoon April 30 ^th from 1 to 4 PM with a prayer service at 3:30 PM. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 29 on Broad Street.