Richard Alexander Pistey, age 80, of Bow passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at his home.

He was born in Bridgeport, CT the son of the late Alexander and Elizabeth (Repka) Pistey.

Those who know Dick often speak of his sense of humor. He was quick-witted, dry, sarcastic, a bit dark, and he especially delighted in joking with people who didn't know he was joking. He was almost always joking, but never in a mean-spirited way. He just liked yanking your chain a bit, as he'd like to say. He would also tell people that his sense of humor was a necessity for staying sane through his 39 years in the Bow Fire Department. Those who know Dick also talk about his service to the community. He served four years in the Air Force, then became a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and spent many years as the Assistant Chief in the Bow Fire Department. He saw births, and tragedies, saved lives of strangers, went into burning buildings, and trained and mentored his successors. He kept people's secrets and never betrayed the trust the community put in him. Dick was a huge sports fan. He and his wife, Betty, had season tickets for the Red Sox for 40 years. When his son Jon lived out of state, he would fly back a few times every year to go to games with him. He loved hockey, baseball, and football, and wouldn't miss an opportunity to watch his kids or his grandchildren play, including flying to Utah for a game! He umpired throughout NH for many years and was appointed to two Babe Ruth World Series umpiring crews. After his service in the Air Force, Dick managed IGA grocery stores, owned his own market and then settled into a long career at WKXL radio. He started selling advertising there as a temporary job after he closed his market. He was really good at it, and it gave him the flexibility he needed to be active in his kids' lives, the fire department and umpiring. When he finally retired, he was the General Manager of the station. After retiring, Dick didn't slow down. He remained active in the fire department, liked to go to the Maine coast for weekends, walk his dog, and spend time with his family, often taking weekend trips to visit his sisters. After the death of his wife, he found an amazing new partner who he loved, and who loved him, completely. They were recently engaged and looking forward to being married in October of 2022. The greatest honor of his son,Jon's, life was when he asked him to both be his best man and to also walk his fiancée down the aisle. Jon's only wish he was writing his speech for that event, and not this one. Those he leaves behind will forever miss this kind, funny, smart, selfless hero who didn't like being the center of attention. In addition to his many friends, Dick leaves his two sisters, his son and daughter, his three grandchildren, his fiancee, his three brothers-in-law and daughter-in-law, his six nieces and their children. Though there will always be a hole from his absence, we all have stories that will make us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I know the sense of humor Jon got from him is what's getting him through right now. We all hope he is now back with those he loved, including his golden retrievers, who left this world before him, making them laugh and keeping them guessing about whether or not he's being serious (he's not!)

Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, September 16, from 4 to 7 PM at the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 17, at 11 AM at the Evans Cemetery in Bow.  Military Honors will be provided.

Donations may be made to the Pope Memorial SPCA, 94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301