Richard Webster Ham – 95, of North Reading, MA, husband of the late Joleen Glidden, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his home in North Reading, MA.
Dick was born in Winchester, Massachusetts on June 8, 1930 to Robert and Priscilla (Webster) Ham. He graduated from Reading High School in 1948. In 1952 he became a very proud graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. He frequently reminisced about his Bowdoin friends, fraternity brothers and faculty and enjoyed visiting the campus to see how it had changed over the years.
Dick taught foreign language at Reading Memorial High School for nearly 40 years, and continued as a substitute teacher for many years following his “retirement” in the early 90’s. He is still fondly remembered by many of his former students. Dick was a long-time member of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading and was part of the church choir, House Committee and the Care Committee at various times. He always looked forward to the annual Christmas fair and treating his eldest daughter to a lobster roll, a tradition begun by his late wife, Joleen.
Dick loved spending his summers at Chewonki Campground in Wiscasset, ME where he and his family camped for over 50 years. Other campers and the owners looked forward to seeing Dick every year, and vice versa.
Dick was much loved and will be sorely missed by his children, Deborah Ham of Peabody, MA; David W. Ham of Merrimack, NH; and Elizabeth V. “Betsey” Driscoll and her husband Raymond of Dracut, MA. He is also survived by four grandchildren, four great-grandsons, his brother David F. Ham and his wife Barbara of North Reading, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s memory to the Bowdoin College Alumni Fund, Bowdoin College, 4100 College Station Brunswick, ME 04011-8432 or the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Deb,David,Betsy.. so very sorry for your loss.
Prayers to you and your extended families
Deb,David,Betsy…Both Paul and I send our thoughts and prayers to the whole family. We are so sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to Deb, David, and Betsy. Cherish the memories.
Deb, Dave & Betsey and family,
Bob and I send our deepest sympathies. Never easy to lose a parent, especially one that was such a presence in your lives. We hope you find comfort in the many memories you have. Much love, Julie & Bob Stanton
Monsieur Jambon, what a wonderful man! He and Joleen were friends of my parents. They sang in the church choir together and all belonged to a group called The Jubilaires, who performed musical shows in North Reading for many years. I always enjoyed having a little chat in French with Dick when I saw him at church.
My sincere condolences to Debbie and the rest of the family.
Debi, so very sorry for your loss.
Debra Nichols
Debi, My heartfelt condolences on your dad’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m holding you and your family in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Deb I’m sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers, Kathy Clifford Arment
Debbie so very sorry for your loss many prayers for you and your family
Sharon Chosse
My condolences to the family.
Dear Betsey, David, Debbie, and family,
What a joyful life and a peaceful, loving end. I remember your parents grace, and kindness.
I am sorry for your loss.
Love- Sandy Lynch Melberg
Dearest Betsy, Deb,David, So Very Sorry to hear this, Your Father Was the Most Kindest, Caring Person, That I Know and a Great and Wonderful Friend to Me and My Girls, The Abasidor of Chewonki Campground, My Very Best To You all, Love Dale
My condolences on your loss! I met Mr. Ham when he substituted at RMHS where I’ve been teaching at for several years. He was beloved by everyone here at the high school. I always sought him out for book recommendations and to sub for my classes. Such a sweet and lovely soul
Dick was a cherished colleague and friend at RMHS. I first met him as a student teacher in 1972 and later as a fellow French teacher beginning in 1989. Gracious and warm he was always willing to help with an encouraging word and a smile. In recent years I would bump into him at Market Basket and chat for a while. I always left with a big smile on my face. I feel so lucky to have known such a lovely soul as Dick. Heartful sympathy to his beloved family.