BANGOR and SWANS ISLAND – Capt. Richard “Dick” Jellison passed away Jan. 1, 2012, at Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. Dick was born in 1929, to Rilla Grant and Almond Jellison.
He was raised on Swan’s Island, where he continued to spend most of his life. When Dick was 12, he and his family moved to the Rockland area, where many family members resided. Although he never completed high school, Dick worked his way from deck hand to licensed captain of commercial fishing and was best known as captain of the fishing trawler Tide. He also captained the fishing trawler Araho and the fishing trawler Francis O’Hara. Dick served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was known for his many stories about military experience. Known to his grandchildren as “Grump,” he was a gruff and tough man who yelled and swore like the sailor he was. In spite of his coarseness, he had an undeniable compassionate side and a tenderness that couldn’t be hidden by his rough exterior; he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Dick was one in a million and will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.
He was predeceased by wife Kathleen “Kitty” Jellison. Dick is survived by brother, Gene Jellison; daughter, Candis Joyce; grandchildren, Grant and Meghan Joyce and Carrie and Caleb Fowler; great-granddaughter, McKayla Joyce; sister, Jackie Ferdig; nephews, Richard Griffin and Paul Jellison; nieces, Kathy DeLong, Kate Rosenfeld, Robin Jellison, Rilla Jellison and Francesca Jellison; along with many other friends and family members.
Memorial services for Capt. Richard “Dick” Jellison will be held 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at Mill Pond Park, Swans Island, with a luncheon at the library. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shaw Fund for Mariners Children, P.O. Box 403, Norwood, MA 02062. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.