Richard Parker “Dick” Hennessey, 69, of Jefferson, passed away suddenly at Lake Pemaquid Campground in Damariscotta on May 25 while working as a security guard, which he enjoyed immensely.
Dick was born May 31, 1942 in Bangor, the son of Parker Francis and Virginia Pennell Hennessey, grew up in Auburn before moving to Augusta, where he graduated from Cony High School, class of 1960. He went on to attend Husson College in Bangor briefly.
During his school years, he worked at Prime Farm and spent many hours at Maxim’s Garage in Augusta talking about and fixing up his car. After leaving Husson he joined the Maine Turnpike road crew briefly, then attended and graduated from the Maine State Warden School in 1964.
Dick and Cynthia Lewin were married in 1964. They resided in Littleton and Newport before settling in Jefferson in 1969. Together, they had two children, Kathleen and Daniel.
Upon his graduation, he joined the Maine Warden Service, and served for 25 years retiring in 1989. He dedicated himself immensely to the profession he greatly loved. Dick was known as a very tough game warden and loved his sportsmen friends. “Tricky Dick” as he was known in the Warden Service, was good for his district, in the end many notorious poachers became his friends. During his tenure in this district, there were no drownings on Damariscotta Lake, as he really pushed the use of life jackets.
Upon retirement, Dick and his family opened Video Ventures, which he operated for many years in Jefferson. Folks traveled from miles around to get their films, and he just loved his customers.
Active in the community, Dick was a member and past master of Riverside Lodge #135 AF & AM in Jefferson, served on several town committees, was a member of the NRA, loved to target practice, listen to the Bee Gees, watch NASCAR races, the Red Sox and American Idol with Cynthia. He loved to bowl and was active for many years at DePatsy’s Bowling Alley in Waldoboro He also enjoyed going to Montsweag Flea Market with Cynthia to sell their wares. With his wife’s insistence, they took many trips to Moosehead, traveling the lumber roads so she could see moose. His CB handle was Tricky Dick.
The Hennesseys raised purebred Labradors, beginning in 1969. The black mother once produced two yellow pups, and he had the first yellow lab in Maine. Governor Longley bought a pup and it pleased the Hennessey family that the dog was on the transportation map for the State of Maine with the Longley family. Most recently, his pet cockatoo “Buddy” became very attached to Dick, who said he always had a hard bite.
Dick is predeceased by his parents; and daughter, Kathleen Hennessey.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Cynthia Lewin Hennessey of Jefferson; son, Daniel Hennessey and wife Denise; grandsons, Parker Hennessey, Jarrett Hennessey, all of Waldoboro, and Cody Chase of Whitefield; brother-in-law, Rear Admiral Theodore Lewin, Ret. and wife Janet of Virginia and Maine; along with several nieces and nephews.
Outdoor memorial service 11 a.m., Fri., June 15 at the Fairview Cemetery, Rt. 126 in Jefferson, with a Masonic service led by the brethren of Riverside Lodge #135, and honors given by the Maine Warden Service Honors Team.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the family, 271 Bunker Hill Rd., Jefferson, ME 04348, to offset medical expenses incurred by the family.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.