Richard Ray Storer, 78, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully on April 22 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta with his family by his side.
Richard was born Oct. 30, 1928 in Boothbay Harbor, the son of Joseph and Ernestine Woodward Storer.
Although Richard suffered from emphysema for 40 years, he never let it get him down. He lived life fully, in spite of the disease, and never gave up. Even while dying he chose the terms on which he would die. He was the strongest man anyone could ever know.
Richard grew up in Brunswick and Boothbay Harbor. He attended Boothbay Harbor schools until the age of 17 when he joined the U.S. Navy from April 1946 through March 1948. He received his GED once he returned home, and then went to Massachusetts Industrial Technical School where he received his refrigeration license. He worked in Massachusetts and New York.
In November 1950, he joined the U.S. Army and served until December 1953. He was stationed in Japan and Korea and served with the 24th Infantry Division as a mortarman and in combat infantry. He was an instructor of arms at West Point and turned down permanent employment at West Point as an instructor to return home to be with his loving wife.
After returning from Korea, Richard received his degree as a tree arborist and worked for Bartlett Tree in Syracuse and Rochester, N.Y. He returned to Maine and worked for Lane Construction before opening his own business, Richard R. Storer and Sons, Inc., in 1955. Richard began building small buildings, his first being the Damariscotta Post Office, before moving on to be a commercial builder who built many schools and large structures. His last contract, before retiring, was the Maine Center for the Arts at the University of Maine, Orono.
Since retirement, Richard spent his time working on his property, looking after grandchildren and most of all, being a great husband, father and grandfather to his family.
He could be found at Waltz Pharmacy every morning having his coffee and giving his conservative Republican views on just about everything. Coffee time will never be the same.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Richard will be remembered as being one of Santa’s best helpers, a job he loved from 1960-1980. He had a love for motorcycles and at the age of 15 traveled from Boothbay Harbor to California on a 1946 Harley. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing with his grandchildren and operating his equipment.
Richard was a lifetime member of the NRA. He was also a member of the North American Hunters, Ducks Unlimited, National Republican Committee, Maine Sportsman Alliance, Alna Masonic Lodge #43 AF&AM in Damariscotta, Wells Hussey American Legion Post, V.F.W., and the Kora Temple Shrine.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Elta M. Storer; son, Robert R. Storer; and his mother, Ernestine Hamilton.
He is survived by his sons, Richard Ray Storer, Jr. and wife Wendy of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Ronald Ray Storer and wife Corinne of Damariscotta; daughters, Rebecca Rae Storer-Akeley and husband Steve of Damariscotta, and Rhonda Rae Storer-Benner and husband Kevin of Damariscotta; grandchildren, William C. Fraser and fiancée Nanette Hennig of Damariscotta, Jessica L. Day and husband Darryl of Damariscotta, Daryl R. Fraser and fiancée Darcy Gianfriddo of Damariscotta, Ronald R. Storer, Jr. and wife Liz of Damariscotta, Dustin L. Storer of Florida, Kevin L. Benner, Jr. of Damariscotta, Chelsea M. Storer of Florida, Payson M. Benner of Damariscotta, and Jeremy Akeley of Durham; great-grandchildren, Chasidy A. Day, Garrett Jake Day, and Marley R. Storer, all of Damariscotta; sister, Margaret Myers of Florida; niece, Debbie Reno-Jones of Florida; nephew, David Greims of Texas; great-nephew, Mitchell Reno of Texas; and many cousins.
Visiting hours 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Thurs., April 26 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m.
Celebration of Dick’s life noon, Fri., April 27 at the Damariscotta Baptist Church, Bristol Rd., Damariscotta. A reception will immediately follow the service at Lakehurst, Egypt Rd., Damariscotta.
Burial will be Sat., April 28 at Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to the Great Salt Bay Band, c/o John Morneau, 559 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.