Atkinson, NH: Richard A. "Dick" Gardella, 84, a longtime resident of Atkinson, died November 4, 2020 at Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield, MA.

Born and raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts, son of the late Anthony and Evelyn (Kennedy) Gardella, he was a member of the Haverhill High School Class of 1954 and later received his Associates Degree from Dean College. Mr. Gardella served in the Army National Guard as a Sergeant from 1957 until 1963.

As a young man, Mr. Gardella worked in his father's sporting goods store, Haverhill Rubber, which was located for many years on Merrimack Street in downtown Haverhill. He later began a long career with New England Telephone & Telegraph as a cable splicing processor and after working for the several succeeding companies, he retired as a gas pressure technician from Verizon.

A longtime member of the Atkinson Congregational Church, where he served as a deacon, and the Atkinson Historical Society, he enjoyed writing motivational and inspirational letters to people in need. He was a member of the Over 45 Softball League in Haverhill and served as a coach for Minor League Baseball, Little League Baseball and for the Babe Ruth League of Plaistow, Atkinson and Danville, and also as a coach for Pop Warner Football. He was an accomplished saxophone player and guitarist, and also enjoyed skiing, and took great pride and pleasure in gardening and maintaining his yard.

Predeceased in 2014 by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Jacqueline A. (Kitson) Gardella, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, Richard A. "Rick" Gardella, Jr. of Kingston, NH, and his daughter Melissa Gardella-Godbout and her husband Christopher Godbout of Atkinson, and several cousins and other extended family members.

A private family funeral service will be held under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home of Plaistow, with burial to take place in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Atkinson Congregational Church, Main St., Atkinson, NH. During this difficult and extraordinary time, please show support to the family by visiting our website: www.brooksidechapelfh.com to send a message of condolence or to share a precious memory.