Richard I. Fales, 87, of Cushing, passed away peacefully at the Knox Center for Long Term Care on Dec. 27 surrounded by his loving family and many caregivers. One of his special caregivers was his granddaughter Jo Ann. Richard was born on Oct. 25, 1925 in Thomaston, the son of the late Irving Fales and Lizzie Flint Fales.
Richard was one of three men granted a special early diploma from Thomaston High School so that he could enter the U.S. Navy. He served as a seaman first class during 1944-1946. Upon discharge from the U.S. Navy he joined the family run business – A.S. Fales and Sons in Cushing where he worked for over 60 years.
He married Elaine Dodge on July 29, 1945 and they made their home in Cushing where they raised their three children. All of his family worked beside him at the store whenever needed. Upon retirement he proudly turned over the store to his son John.
He enjoyed the Boston Red Sox mowing his lawn as well as operating the family store. Richard was one of the founding members of the Cushing Fire Dept. as well as a longtime member of the Friendship VFW and participated in the Boy Scouts. Richard’s family said he was a very loving husband as well as a great father to his children. He loved animals and was known as a caring and compassionate man. He was always willing to open the store at any hour of the day to fuel up a town public works truck or a fire engine after a snowstorm or fire.
Richard was predeceased by his son, John.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elaine D. Fales of Cushing; daughter, Marie and husband Arthur Pease of Thomaston; son, James and wife Carolyn of Thomaston; grandchildren, Alan Pease of Warren, Annette Pease of So. Portland, Adam Pease of Warren, Jo Ann Fales of Warren, Heather Blais of California, Kelley Fales-Burns of Cushing, James Fales Jr. of Cushing, Derek Fales of Darwin, Australia, and Amy Fales of China; step-grandchildren, Lynn Grant of Thomaston, and Matthew Grant of Cushing; eight great-grandchildren; three great- great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Fales of Cushing; sister, Barbara Lash of Friendship; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service 1 p.m., Mon., Dec. 31 at the Broad Cove Church in Cushing. At the request of the family the burial will be private.
Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to any of the following: Cushing Fire Dept. or Cushing Ambulance Service, 39 Cross Rd., Cushing 04563; Knox County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland 04841; or Broad Cove Church, c/o Ernie Harrington, 49 Killeran Lane, Cushing 04563.
Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston.
