OLD TOWN – Ronald R. “Moose” Richards Sr., 76, husband of Eleanor (Marshman) Richards, passed away peacefully Friday, July 21, 2006, with his loving family by his side, at a local health facility, in Bangor. He was born March 16, 1930, in Old Town, the son of Leo L. and Lelia L. (Nadeau) Richards. He attended Old Town High School and was a very active participant in basketball, football and track. It was Ronald’s talent and athleticism in these sports that earned him his nickname “Moose” and later went on to graduate with the Class of 1949. Moose was in the U.S. Naval Reserve and U.S. Marine Corp prior to the start of his working career. Moose went on to work for James River in Old Town for 37 years, where he retired in 1989. He was a member and faithful communicant of Holy Family Parish in Old Town, where he was also a proud rosary maker. Moose was a lifetime member of the Old Town Knights of Columbus Fr. Druillette Council 2537. He enjoyed and was well known for his woodworking and crafts. Moose was a winter resident of St. Petersburg, Fla. for 16 years where he also had many friends. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan, and also enjoyed reading. Moose will be remembered by his family as an unselfish, loving, supportive and giving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a great love for his family and attended many of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 55 years, Eleanor; four children; daughter, Kathy Thompson and her husband, Sam, of Milford; son, John Richards and his wife, Starr, of Greenfield; son, Ronald R. Richards Jr. and his wife, Debbie, of Hampden; son, Chris Richards and his wife, Christy, of Portland; eight grandchildren, Alyson Veilleux, Chad Thompson, Jessica Richards, Jared Richards, Katelyn Richards, Ryan Richards, Kyle Richards, Nathan Richards; six great-grandchildren, Hannah, Trevor, Delaney, Elijah, Grace and Adam. He also leaves behind his mother, Lelia Richards of Old Town; two sisters, Marlene Avery and Patty Lyons, both of Old Town; five brothers, Lester Richards of Bradley, Franklin Richards of Milford, Gordon Richards and Tommy Richards, both of Old Town; special brother, Paul Ouellette of Milford, many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends in Old Town and St. Petersburg, Fla. He was predeceased by his father, Leo L. Richards; and brother, James Richards. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Monday at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town where the Knights of Columbus will conduct a prayer service 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Family Parish in Old Town with the Rev. Wilfred Labbe and the Rev. Rudolph Leveille, celebrants. Committal will be held immediately after the service at St. Joseph Cemetery in Old Town. Family and friends are invited back to Holy Family Parish Hall after the burial for a luncheon and continued fellowship. Those who wish may send memorial contributions the Holy Family Parish Building Fund, 429 Main St., Old Town, ME 04468. www.birminghamfuneralhome.com
RONALD R. ‘MOOSE’ RICHARDS
