TRENTON – Richard Shelton, 74, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep Dec. 18, 2010, having suffered from post polio syndrome for the past 15 years. A Maine native, he grew up in Bar Harbor and was a longtime resident of Trenton. Dick attended Vesper George Art School and Boston Architectural before working for Sheraton Hotel Corp., Boston, where he attained the level of senior designer. He returned to Maine in 1967 and started his own design and furnishings business, Down East Interiors, which he continued for more than 30 years. A lifelong hunter, sailor and model aviation enthusiast, Dick enjoyed being outdoors and had an especially soft spot in his heart for animals. He loved feeding his friend Rocket the squirrel or coaxing raccoons onto his shoulder for a snack. His family, his home, and his dog, Pepper, were the loves of his life. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; and four sons, Christopher and his wife, Joanna, of Yarmouth, Gregory and his wife, Meghan, and grandchildren, Peter and Matthew, of Rangeley, Scott and Marc, both of Celebration, Fla.; and his mother-in-law, Barbara Waldron of Bar Harbor. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Laura Shelton; and his father-in-law, David Waldron. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to Post Polio Support Group of Maine, 674 Hallowell-Litchfield Road, West Gardiner, ME 04345. A graveside service will be held in the spring.
RICHARD SHELTON
