Richard E. Cougle, 75, passed away on the morning of Jan. 19 at Coves Edge Nursing Home in Damariscotta.
Born in Bangor on Aug. 8, 1931, he was the son of Robert and Pearl (Quimby) Cougle.
He grew up in Corinna and was a graduate of Corinna Union Academy. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served four years aboard the U.S.S. Goodrich during the Korean War.
After discharge from the Navy, Richard resided in Malden, Mass., where he worked for New England Telephone Company before retiring after more than 35 years.
In 1989, he moved back to Maine where he started his dream of building his own home.
He was a member of the Newcastle Fire Department, the United Methodist Church in Damariscotta, the Telephone Pioneers, and the American Legion Post #73 in Corinna. He also was member of the Association of Belltel Retirees, a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Malden, Mass., and was on the board of CHIP for roughly 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Cougle of Newcastle; two nieces; a number of grandnieces and grandnephews; and four longtime friends: Ernie Bourgon of Damariscotta, Frank Clark of Exeter, N.H., and C. Richard Stanley of North Andover, Mass., and Marshall St. Cyr of Newcastle.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary, in 1980; as well as three brothers: Merle Cougle, Harold Cougle and Earl Cougle.
Celebration of his life will be held in April at the United Methodist Church in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Damariscotta, Church St., Damariscotta, ME 04543; the Newcastle Fire Department, 86 River Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553; or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
