Richard Day, 70, lifelong Waldoboro resident, died on Sept. 11 at Maine Medical Center due to injuries sustained in a tragic accident at his home.
Richard and his twin brother Robert were born in the Sproul Block in Waldoboro on Nov. 19, 1942 to Marjorie Hilton Day. Richard attended school in Waldoboro and met his wife and lifelong companion Donna Studley Day at the Waldoboro High School dance in 1960; they married on Nov. 18, 1961.
Richard moved from job to job throughout life. He was a racecar driver, truck driver, fisherman, and auto mechanic and spent the last 20-plus years making amends for the indiscretions of his youth. The earmarks of Richard’s life include a passion for life, patriotism, courage and compassion for others. Richard always made the time to stop and talk to anyone and to help those that had nowhere else to turn; often times driving people all over the state or to appointments as far away as Boston.
Richard loved animals and working in his yard. He was a cowboy; you could see him around town in his Jeep, cowboy hat on, with his pets Snuggles and Lady by his side.
When he wasn’t working in his yard, he would go to the cemetery and take care of overlooked plots; some people he knew personally and some that had been forgotten. As a racecar driver at Wiscasset Speedway in the 70s, he never grew tired of racing. He reserved Sunday for watching NASCAR and cheering for Kyle Busch while enjoying his favorite boiled dinner. If you ever had the pleasure of talking to Richard, you already know of his admiration for Donna’s strength and how proud he was of his sons and daughters.
Richard is preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Hilton Day; sisters, Sharon O’Brien and Connie Day; brother, Bryce Day; mother-in-law, Sophia Studley; father-in-law, Linwood Studley; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Studley and Wesley Ellis; and sister-in-law, Mary Lund.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Day of Waldoboro; children, Richard (Suzanna) of Washington, Dodd (Galil) of Texas, Kimberly (Darren) of Bristol, Shawn (Julia) of Kuwait, and Andrea of Damariscotta; twin brother, Robert Day of Jefferson; brother, Donald Day of Massachusetts; sisters, Mabel Hyde of Pittston and Betty Morris of Norway; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and canine companions, Snuggles and Lady.
A service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held 11 a.m., Mon., Sept. 16 at the Shuman Cemetery, Rt. 220 North in Waldoboro. Rev. Robert Dorr will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 45 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101.
You can share condolences with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
