Richard James Alden

Richard James Alden of Rindge New Hampshire, beloved husband of Laurie (Drischell) Alden, passed into the arms of his Lord on July 4, 2024, after a two-year battle with cancer. Rich was a 1974 graduate of Corcoran High School in Syracuse, NY, and graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1978 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Management.

Rich owned his own business, Alden Sales, Inc. where he worked as an advertising and sales representative for 34 years before retiring in 2022. His honesty and diligence endeared him to many and resulted in lasting friendships with colleagues and customers alike.

A staunch friend, Rich touched many people with his genuine warmth, friendship, and sense of humor. His attitude was, “Once a friend, always a friend,” and he would go to great lengths to stay in touch and be there for others. Rich was blessed with a great memory, often baffling and amazing his friends with his recall of dates, events and statistics. He was definitely the person you wanted on your trivia team!

In addition to spending time with his beloved family, Rich’s passions included Formula 1 Racing, building models, and foreign sports cars, especially Italian and British models. His love for classic rock music inspired and deeply influenced his son. He was an avid supporter of St. Bonaventure basketball and was also a lifelong New England sports fan, even from his early days growing up in Syracuse, NY.

As a strong believer in community service, Rich served as Treasurer of Advent Lutheran Church in Rindge and as a deacon at the United Church of Jaffrey. He also coached many athletic teams through Rindge Youth Athletic Association (RYAA) and actively supported and participated in the Meals on Wheels program.

Rich found great value in the simple joys of life. He cherished moments of relaxation and enjoyed his home and the beauty of nature from his deck. He savored his moments behind the wheel of his cars, bringing others on exhilarating rides and often leaving his wife and daughter with messy hair. Rich loved his dogs over the years, finding joy and calm in their companionship. 

Rich and Laurie’s strong faith, along with the unwavering support of their family and friends provided comfort during his medical challenges. Their network of loved ones, both near and far, brought him strength and solace during those difficult times. The number of people who supported and prayed for him is a testament to his beautiful spirit and the love he brought to this earth.

Rich is predeceased by his parents, Frederick Robert Alden and Marian Trouskie Alden Lamanna. He is survived by Laurie, his wife of 42 years, daughter Elaine Alden Smith (James) and grandchildren Jolene, Alden, and Kieran Smith of Celbridge, Ireland, son Nathaniel (Anna Lee Franklin) of Hanson, MA, sister Janet Alden of Port Charlotte, FL, and brother Robert Alden of Birmingham, AL. Rich will always be remembered by his other family members, nieces and nephews, as well as his chosen family, his incredible friends. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street, Jaffrey, NH and his funeral service on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00AM at United Church of Jaffrey, 54 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH. A recording of the funeral service will be available afterwards on the this page.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich’s memory to United Church of Jaffrey, NH or St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY are requested.