Dover - Richard Temple Carter, 86, of Dover, NH, died on Monday, June 27, 2022, at his home after a long illness.

Born in Reading on April 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Forrest E. Carter and Bessie T. (Temple) Carter of Wakefield.

Richard graduated high school from Holderness School where he was an accomplished athlete. He attended U.Mass, then went on to train and serve in the military as a pilot for the US Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, Richard went on to have a long career as an airline pilot for American Airlines. He retired after 30 years of employment flying the MD-11's in Miami.

Richard married (the late) Nancy Stevens in 1960 at Andrew's Air Force Base. The Carters made their home and started their family first in Suitland, MD, later in Ramstein, Germany, Long Island, NY, and Fairfax, VA, before moving to Ipswich in 1968. For 19 of these years they wintered in Marco Island, FL.

After his wife, Nancy's passing in November of 2009 and his retirement, Richard moved to Dover to be closer to his beloved family.

Richard enjoyed spending time on the water off the coasts of Ipswich, Maine, and Marco Island, FL. He enjoyed racing his 30-ft. NonSuch sailboat "Solo" with family and friends and was an active member of the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club.

Rick is survived by his two sons, Robert L. Carter and his wife Peggy of Dover, NH, Kurt S. Carter and his wife Kristen of North Andover; a daughter, Dianne Carter O'Keefe and her husband Timothy O'Keefe of Wexford PA; six grandchildren, Lauren Cabrera and Caroline Carter of Dover, NH, Katherine and Andrew Carter of North Andover, Shannon and T.J. O'Keefe of Wexford, PA; two great-grandchildren, Finn and Koa Cabrera both of Dover, NH. He is also survived by a brother, Fred L. Carter and his wife Cathy of Ipswich; a sister, Betty Mitchell and her husband Bruce of Rowley; and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 11 a.m. In the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich, followed by interment with military honors in the Cowles Memorial Cemetery, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed.

For directions or to leave a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com.