Richard was born June 10, 1934, in Randolph, VT to Marguerite (Harrington) and Robert L. Gay Sr. He was predeceased by his beloved parents and his seven cherished siblings, Helen, Robert, Jean, Anne, Nancy, Gilbert and Gloria.

Richard was a proud graduate of the Class of 1953, Bellows Falls HS and was an active alumnus. He wore #14 for the Terriers football and baseball teams. He was a distinguished member of the US Air Force which included a tour of Japan.

His grit and business acumen were paramount in establishing two successful businesses in Bellows Falls. He and his brothers, Robert and Gib started Gay Brothers Fuel Service. Subsequently, Richard and Gib followed in their father’s footsteps and purchased BDR Transportation, a coast-to-coast trucking firm. Richard loved driving cross-country. His enthusiasm for trucking prompted his son, Doug to join the BDR team and successfully continue the family trucking business.

Richard spent several winters in Fort Myers, FL where he became an avid golfer. Even with his unorthodox swing, he was able to get a hole-in-one.

During his life, he enjoyed watching his children and their progeny grow and avidly supported their interests. He enjoyed playing baseball, cheering for his beloved Red Sox and Patriots, being outdoors, hunting, and cutting down trees. He was passionate about animals, especially raising them on farms. He generously donated to charity and donated gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He was an expert gardener who relished putting smiles of the faces of his family, neighbors and friends when donating his home-grown produce to them and the Bellows Falls Food Bank. He would give the shirt off his back to those in need.

He is survived by his partner and caregiver, Shirley Frost, his children, David Gay (Barbara Peck) Douglas Gay (Deb), Donna Gay, Dean Gay (Theresa O’Hearn). Richard’s grandchildren; Chelsea (Devin), Kyle (Alexis), Trevor, Michael, Brandon, Patrick, and Brian. Richard’s two great-grandchildren; Benny and Sophie.

A special thank you to those who lovingly cared for Richard at his home during his final days, most notably Jessica Cobb who helped him peacefully transition.

There will be no calling hours. A Graveside Service will take place Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM St Peter’s Cemetery in Walpole, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in remembrance of Richard Gay to the Bellows Falls Alumni Association, PO Box 172, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 and/or to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave FL #17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.