Richard B. Mellor, 89, of Bedford NH and formerly of Wilmington NC, passed away on Monday, February 21 ^st , 2022 peacefully at the Arbors of Bedford.

He was born in Boston, MA on December 24 ^th , 1932 to the late Elizabeth A. (Mellor) Pazera. He was raised in Sanford, ME, and often reminisced about happy summers spent with his family in Wells. He graduated from Cheyenne (WY) High School in 1950 and then from Bellevue College (NE) in 1968.

Richard was a decorated member of the U.S. Air Force. From 1951 to 1971 he proudly served throughout the United States, England, France and Germany. He retired at the rank of Captain. He later worked for the Baltimore Sun and Harford County, MD, as a data security specialist.

Richard was an avid reader with a keen mind and a sharp wit. He was deeply concerned with the protection of animals and the environment. He had a special fondness for Bull Mastiffs and owned several over the years. He enjoyed many sports but was known best for his competitive racquetball games. His love of the beach remained constant.

Along with his mother, Richard was predeceased by two half-brothers, Anthony Pazera, Jr. and Charles Pazera, and a half-sister Elizabeth Burke.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his five daughters, Karen Heaton of Manchester, NH, Teresa and her husband Tracy Hare of Phoenix, AZ, Susan and her husband Jon Celen of Merrimack, NH, Patricia Mellor and her husband Stephen August of Merrimack, NH, and Dian and her husband Joseph McCarthy of Goffstown, NH; three beloved grandsons, Simon August, and Alexander and Andrew McCarthy, and a half-sister, Mary Maybee of Brunswick, ME. He is survived by his wife, Carole (Fitch) of Wilmington, NC.

In accordance with the family's request, there will be no services at this time.

For those who wish, memorial contributions in Richard's memory can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , aspca.org , 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128-6804