Richard Butterfield ... owned Somersworth auto garage

GONIC- Richard Francis Butterfield (9/4/59-2/7/21), died on Sunday, February 7, 2021 after a long illness complicated by Covid-19. Richard was born on September 4, 1959 in Haverhill, MA. He was the son of Elizabeth Simonds of Manchester and Robert Carty of Bennington. Growing up, Richard moved many times within Maine and New Hampshire spending time in Manchester, York, Cape Neddick, and Kittery. In the spring of 1980, Richard was able to put down roots and raise his children in Gonic, where he finally found a place he called home. Richard remained in Gonic until he entered Riverside Rest Home in 2017.
In 1980, Richard started working for Robbins Auto Parts in Dover. What began as a job working retail at a parts counter eventually translated into work as a traveling salesperson. Richard loved anticipating the needs of his customers; his personality and desire to please others earned him many personal merits within the auto industry. After 20 years at Robbins, Richard took the leap and purchased J.A. Prince and Son's Garage in Somersworth. He would call this the greatest accomplishment of his life aside from raising his children. Richard enjoyed owning a business and took pride in cultivating relationships in the community. He loved his employees as if they were family.
Richard was a parishioner at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Gonic. For many years he served as a Eucharistic minister and felt a sense of belonging at St. Leo. In his free time, he loved taking care of his many vehicles and spending time at the beach. Richard loved animals, especially dogs, and was a devoted dog owner for most of his adult life. One of Richard's greatest passions was playing the trumpet. He was an accomplished trumpeter during his brief education and later, as an adult, played his trumpet at church services and participated briefly with the Strafford County Wind Symphony. Music was an important piece of who he was and he would often turn to music during difficult times in his life.
Everyone who knew Richard enjoyed his larger than life persona and sense of humor. While there were certainly stubborn and difficult sides of his complex personality, all would agree that it was impossible not to love him. He loved fiercely. Richard prided himself on remembering and celebrating important dates and would try to be the first person to wish someone a happy birthday. Even if that meant calling them before the sun was up. When you think of Richard, play music too loudly and sing your heart out, love people deeply, watch sappy movies, and eat chocolate chocolate chip Haagen Dazs ice cream.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Robert. He is survived by his brother David Butterfield of Dover, and his son Carmen of Hobart, IN., his daughter Veronica "Nicki" LeBlanc, her husband Richard and their children Xander and Sarah of Wilton, ME, his daughter Jessi Molloy, her husband Aaron, and their son Toby of Manchester, his son Walter Watts and his son Wally of Brooks, ME., and a special niece, Tracy Peace Shavor of Farmington. He also leaves behind dear friends who will miss him.