Dr. (Doc) Richard B. Munn, 86, of Bristol, passed away on July 5 at his home. He had lived a full and adventurous life until just recently, when after suffering from several strokes, he had lost much of his independence and quality of life.
He was born on March 11, 1925 in Los Angeles, Cal. to Arthur and Florence Munn, sharing life with his brother Bruce Munn. He served in the Navy in WWII as Chief Petty Officer Pharmacist’s Mate, earning his RN degree. After WWII, he continued his education at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and received his doctorate degree in Science and Marine Biology, with a concentration in Invertebrate Zoology.
He and family eventually moved to New Jersey where he taught at Jersey City State College and then Ocean County College. At Jersey City State College, he taught all of the science courses required for the nursing program as well as teacher education and administration education courses. At Ocean County College, he was the head of the science department and also taught criminology investigation to the New Jersey State Troopers. He was also instrumental in setting up and teaching the summer science program at the University of Maine in Orono.
After spending so many summers in Maine, his love of the state motivated him to retire here. He designed and had built a log home in Bristol on 16 beautiful acres of wooded land alongside the Damariscotta River. He remained in this home with his wife until he passed away.
He was an active member of the Lincoln County Gun Club. He greatly enjoyed bird hunting and trout fishing. His true passion, however, was cooking as well as sharing his recipes with everyone he met. Around town he was known as “The Candy Man,” always traveling on his errands with a bag of Dove chocolates, distributing only to the ladies.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years Ruth Ann Munn; daughter, Judy (Munn) DeGrandpre and husband Richard DeGrandpre of Freeport; and granddaughters, Johannah DeGrandpre of Yarmouth and Laura (DeGrandpre) Loiselle and husband Timothy Loiselle of Woburn, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to his favorite charity, the National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org) or to another charity of your choice.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
