Copyright keenesentinel
Richard A. Sonosky, 82, a longtime resident of Alstead, passed away on Oct. 19, 2025, at the Covenant Healthcare Center in Keene. His parents, Alex T. and Virginia P. (Clark) Sonosky, welcomed their son into the world on April 5, 1943, in Keene. Richard grew up in Gilsum and was a 1961 graduate of Keene High School. He received a bachelor of science in business administration from Nathaniel Hawthorne College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Charleston, S.C., and Key West, Fla. during the Cuban Missel Crisis, serving for more than three years as a draftsman. While in high school Richard was enrolled in a work program and it was through this program that he began his career at Markem Corporation, first on a part-time basis, then after his military obligations on a full-time basis starting as a free-hand engraver, later moving into a management role and then in human resources — a career that spanned more than 40 years. Locally, he was a volunteer with the Gilsum Fire Department and a Boy Scout leader with the Gilsum and Alstead troops, receiving Scout Master of the Year recognition. He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol and was a first aid instructor in Cheshire County. He was an avid fisherman, enjoying fishing in lakes and rivers. He enjoyed tending to his flower and vegetable gardens, and taking care of his home and his farm, raising several animals and also growing fruit trees. His parents, Alex Sonosky and Virginia Carter; a sister, Rebecca Morse; a brother, Robert Sonosky; and two brothers-in-law, David Fitz and Allan Toczko, predeceased him. He will be greatly missed by many, especially his wife of 53 years, Mary F. (DeMeo) Sonosky, of Alstead; his children, Russell Sonosky of Winchester and Michael Sonosky and his wife, Misty, of Gilsum; his grandchildren, Ashley Lantagne, Alyssa Sonosky and Anthony Sonosky; seven great-grandchildren, including the newest member of the family, Theodore Sonosky; his sisters-in-law, June Sonosky of Virginia Beach, Va., Elizabeth Fitz of Greenfield, Mass., and Susan Toczko of East Washington; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St., Keene. All are welcome to attend. Burial in the Centennial Cemetery in Gilsum will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Sonosky’s memory to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey NH 03346. To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.fletcherfuneralhome.com.
