Richard E. Woodcock, 92, of Damariscotta, died March 16 with his son at his side, following a period of declining health at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.
Born in Thomaston, Oct. 20, 1918, he was the son of Earl and Ora Emery Woodcock. Educated locally, Richard was a graduate of Thomaston High School. While in high school Richard was a member of the baseball team and basketball team, and was named to the All State Team at the State Basketball Tournament. Following high school he attended Husson College where he studied business for a year.
As a young man Richard worked at his father’s grocery store, Woodcock’s IGA, until he enlisted in the U.S. Army. On Dec. 24, 1941 he married Audrey R. Moore in Thomaston. After serving for five years during WWII, he returned to the states, working again at Woodcock’s. He later worked in sales for Edward’s Ice Cream of Rockland. His next employment was with Calderwood Bread Company as a route salesman.
A salesman at heart, Richard worked many years for Sam Prower, a wholesaler located in Bath. Following retirement he worked for a brief time with Ray’s Modular Homes in Warren.
From 1987 until 2001 Richard enjoyed the time he spent working for his son and daughter-in-law at Round Top Ice Cream in Damariscotta. He did all of the accounts receivable bookwork for Round Top until he was 83, while his wife Audrey did the payroll. Even in his mid 70s, when his son Gary was teaching and someone ran out of ice cream, Richard was known to drive to Damariscotta, load a truck, and deliver the ice cream. Richard is remembered as a people person, and he enjoyed the time he spent as a salesman, getting to know people from all walks of life.
Mr. Woodcock was predeceased by his sisters and their spouses, Elonia and Herbert Turner, Marjorie and Rudy Hesselgren, and Elizabeth and Forest Grafton.
He is survived by his son, Gary Woodcock and wife Brenda of Nobleboro; grandchildren, Rick Woodcock of South Portland, Stephanie Poland and husband Jon of Bristol and Lauren Woodcock of Thomaston; great-grandchildren, Ruby Poland and Reese Poland, both of Bristol; and nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be announced in the spring.
To share a memory or condolence with Mr. Woodcock’s family, please visit his online guest book, at obituaries at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.
