Richard H. Grondin of Portsmouth, NH died on Tuesday February 19th 2013 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones. He was born November 8th, 1943 in Malden, Massachusetts to Harvey L. and Bernice V. (Monahan) Grondin.

Richard graduated from Brighton High School in Brighton, Massachusetts in May of 1962. July 31st, 1962 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and went on to retire in November 30th, 1982.He serving many areas in the Pacific during the Vietnam War and in the U.S. to include Arkansas, North Dakota, and NH.

Upon his retirement from the United States Air Force, he served as security officer of Nike Inc. in Exeter, Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant and later as director of Security, at the Timberland Company at Stratham for 15 years. He went on to become a currier of Granite State Shuttle Service of Dover and driver for the City of Portsmouth Senior Transportation until knee replacement surgery forced him to resign.

He also served in Veterans organizations as Adjutant and Senior Vice Commander for DAV Chapter 4 Newington, was Founder and Commander, Port City Chapter 3 DAV, Junior Vice Commander Department of NH DAV, Historian to the American Legion Post 7 of Portsmouth.

He was a life member of: the Enlisted Associated, Air Force Serviceman Association, Strategic Air Command Association, and the Air Force Memorial Association. You can find his name engraved at the Air Force Memorial, Washington DC and the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Richard enjoyed being with friends, especially the McDonald’s Coffee Club in the morning; It gave him pleasure to talk about the good ole days and family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Corazon Nambatac Grondin, four children: Deborah Grondin, Brian R. Grondin, Sheila M. Grondin, and Brenda L. Grondin, and one step son, Edward Hrudka. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren.

Richard was predeceased by his father, Harvey L. Grondin, his mother, Bernice M. Grondin, his brother, David P. Grondin, and former wife, Gail F. Grondin.

Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM Thursday, February 21, 2013 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home-Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, with American Legion services by Frank E. Booma Post #6 at 4:45PM. Services will be held at 1:30PM on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the NH State Veterans Cemetery Chapel, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303-2413. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NH State Veterans Cemetery