BANGOR – Richard Burr Bronson Sr. passed away Nov. 19, 2004, following a life full of blessings and contributions to the world around him. He was born March 26, 1920, in Belmont, Mass., to Dorothy Chapin and Burr Boyd Bronson. Dick contracted polio as an infant, but through surgery, therapy and sheer determination he lead an active life. He became a circus fan as a child and carried his interest in circus history and performance throughout his life. He was a member of the Circus Model Builders, for whom he produced a video that is used by the organization nationally. He was active in the Maine Tent of the Circus Fans and edited their newsletter for several years. He was also the editor of the Circus World Historical Society quarterly newspaper, which is subscribed to on seven continents. Dick was an entrepreneurial boy, running a neighborhood newspaper and leading a dance band. He met his future wife, Connie, at an eighth grade dance. Dick attended Suffolk University and Emerson College before starting his career in broadcasting. His broadcasting career began on radio station WESX in Salem, Mass., in 1941. He then worked at stations in Keene, Hartford and South Carolina. In 1946, he moved to Portland to be chief announcer at WPOR radio. He went to Bangor working on WABI radio in 1949 and then moved to WABI-TV in 1953. He was general manager of WABI-TV for a decade and then vice president of the Hildreth Radio and TV Network. In 2004, he was inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. In 1969, Dick opened his own public relations and advertising agency. He worked full-time until almost age 75, representing many Maine business clients. The company, now known as Bronson Communications, continues under the leadership of his son, John. In 1949, Dick and Connie moved their family to Veazie when he started work at WABI. He was active in the community, serving as first selectman of Veazie for several years. He also raised money for the March of Dimes in the 1950s, was the first president of the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Maine, and served in many roles in the Veazie Congregational Church. He was well known in eastern and northern Maine for his work on “Christmas Daddies” the telethon that he founded to solicit Christmas gifts for needy families. Christmas Daddies was broadcast for more than 25 years beginning in 1946 and was later revived for several years by his son, John. Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Constance Adams Bronson; a sister, Dorothy Pray of South Carolina; four children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His children are Richard Bronson Jr. and wife, Angelia, daughter-in-law, Monica Bronson, Tracy Bigney and husband, Jim, John Bronson and fianc?e, Ginny Kerr and Donald Bronson and wife, Rita. His adored and adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Melanie Bronson Kollman and husband, John, Emilie Bronson, Benjamin and Sarah Bigney, Adam and Whitney Bronson, Elyse and Eric Bronson and Reginald, Rubie and Lily Kollman. He was predeceased by a brother, Franklin. Dick will be greatly missed at the Sunday evening gatherings that have been a family tradition for 35 years. A memorial service will be held noon Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Hammond Street Congregational Church in Bangor, with the Rev. Dr. Mark Doty officiating. Following the service, there will be a time for sharing conversation and refreshments in the church parlor. Gifts in Dick’s memory may be made to Maine Public Broadcasting, 65 Texas Ave., Bangor. A service of Memorial Alternatives, 1225 Broadway, Bangor.
RICHARD BURR BRONSON SR.
