Richard J. Bellerose of Millsboro passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born July 21, 1941, in Manchester, N.H., to Jerome and Lorraine Bellerose. He grew up in Manchester, graduating from Bishop Brady High School in 1960. Richard met his wife, Elinor, while serving at Westover AFB as an airman. After their wedding Nov. 9, 1963, they lived in Springfield, Mass., and had their first child, Michelle. In 1964, they moved and settled in Bow, N.H., where they started their successful journey raising a family.

Richard is survived and missed by his wife of 63 years, Elinor; his children and their spouses, Michelle and Kenneth Lavallee, Michael and Kym Bellerose, and Mark and Marcia Bellerose. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew. Richard will be forever cherished by his six grandchildren, Sarah, Jessica, Noah, Zachery, Pheobi and Kinsey; and his siblings and their spouses, John and Denise Bellerose and Jerry and Sandra Bellerose. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Judith Anderson and Sue St. Jean. He leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

Richard honorably served in the U.S. Air Force for five years. He continued his service with the Civil Air Patrol, dedicating decades of his personal time to mentor thousands of young cadets and fellow adult leaders. He obtained the rank of major and was selected as the Northeastern communication director. Later he used his skills to enhance the readiness of the Villages, a retirement community in Florida, as the vice commander of the Community Emergency Response Team.

He served as a trustee and CEO of J.C. Pitman Company in Bow, N.H., where he helped revolutionize the food service industry through international sales and marketing initiatives. He assisted in developing numerous patents and was awarded the patent for the high‑speed potato chip slicer for the Cape Cod Chip Company. He was also recognized as a certified food services professional and a founder of two successful organizations - JABEX LLC and PRIDE LLC - providing consultations to organizations such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A.

 
During his 17 years in Bow, N.H., he served as chairman of the planning and zoning board and one of founders of the Bow Community Bank. Additionally, he was a certified firefighter and served as the Bow deputy fire chief. He started his 50-plus years as a Rotarian in Bow, serving in numerous leadership positions before becoming the president of the Bow Rotary Club. Later he was elected president of the Bedford Rotary Club. Richard was a dedicated member of the Rotary Band, which entertained internationally. He was awarded seven Paul Harris Fellow awards during his time in Rotary. Most importantly, he was dedicated to his children's sports and educational programs while raising a family in Bow.

Richard was skilled and passionate at being a ham radio operator, erecting radio antennas everywhere he lived (even if the HOA didn’t allow it). He was also an adventurer and hobbyist, enjoying everything from sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee and snowmobiling across New Hampshire trails to riding his motorcycle for thousands of miles and pursuing more exotic hobbies, such as training homing pigeons. His passion to see the world with open eyes was inspiring.

Services will be held in New Hampshire at a later date.