Richard Arthur Boudreau

SIDNEY – Richard Arthur Boudreau, 89, died May 3, 2021, after living a faith-filled, compassionate, authentic life. He spent his final days being tenderly cared for by his children, family, and very close friends. Richard is best remembered for his devotion to community, his deep faith in God, and as a loving father to his children.

Richard was born in Waterville on May 25, 1931, to Alphonse Boudreau and Grace (Pooler) Boudreau. After graduating from Waterville High School in 1949, he served for four years in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Japan. He was very proud of serving his country.

With help from the GI Bill, Richard earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from University of New England in 1959. He met many friends there with whom he always remained in touch.

After college, he met the love of his life, Madeline (Rossignol) Boudreau, when he returned to his hometown of Waterville to work at the Depositors Trust Bank. They shared a blessed life together, enjoying 52 years of marriage that saw many classical music concerts, trips to the Maine Coast for lobster feeds, lively picnics, and fall foliage trips throughout Maine.

Because of his love of philosophy, books, and the desire to start a new career, Richard decided to go back to college in 1968. After earning a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Maine at Orono, he became the librarian at Thomas College in Waterville. During 27 years of service, he befriended students who, long after graduating, often visited him and Madeline at their home.

Retirement gave Richard more time to devote to the community and those in need. For 15 years, he and Madeline delivered Meals on Wheels for the Muskie Center in Waterville. They loved helping others; this was a direct link to their strong Catholic faith and devotion. For 64 years (67 years of Franciscan study), Richard was a member of the Saint John the Baptist Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order and served as president, secretary, treasurer, and several other roles for the local fraternity council.

The arts held a special place in Richard’s life and was something he passed on to his children. Maybe it is no surprise for a librarian, but Richard loved books, especially the classics and Charles Dickens. An appreciation for classical music led to an extensive record collection and his children’s memories of their home filled with the sounds of Saturday Afternoon Metropolitan Opera. Richard also enjoyed model railroading and spent years building his own.

Richard especially loved the Boston Red Sox. Like many in his generation, he waited his whole life for them to finally win the World Series. The joy of that win in 2004 was something he was able to witness three more times. He shared his love of baseball with his children. He coached them and took them to see the Maine Guides, and eventually the Red Sox at Fenway Park, the church of baseball. His children have fond memories of listening to the Sox games under the large willow tree in their backyard, as Richard smoked his cigars, playing catch, and hitting thousands of pop flies to them.

He was a loving, sweet, giving, compassionate and caring father and grandfather, as well as a mentor. He would often say, “There is only one decision: make the rig ht one. Don’t be afraid of the decisions you make; do what you think is right.” He loved his children and grandchildren more than anything.

He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline, survived by his children Rosemary, Jane, and Mark, and predeceased by his daughter, Margaret Mary. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Ronald Boudreau, and his older sister, Theresa (Boudreau) Guerrette.

He has five grandchildren, Dustin, Kayla, Aida, and was predeceased by Faye and Jibryne. He has four great-grandchildren: Jenna, Eliot, Oliver, and Mattie Lynn; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was cared for by Julie and Karen, and loved them dearly, regarding them as family.

Ever committed to public service and the greater good, Richard donated his body to science to the University of New England’s medical school.

A memorial mass will be held at a time to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the

Secular Franciscans,

Attention Dan Spofford, Treasurer, SFO,

194 Garland Rd.,

Winslow, ME 04901.


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