AUGUSTA – Richard Charles Hamilton, 75, died on May 20, 2020 at Gray Birch Rehabilitation and Longterm Care Center in Augusta. He was the only son of Charles R. And Catherine M. (Morrissey) Hamilton. He was a resident of Gardiner most of his life and attended Gardiner schools.

In 1964 he graduated with honors from Cherry Lawn School in Darien, Conn. and went on to earn a BA degree in political science from Yale University in 1971.

As a young man, Richard traveled extensively in Western Europe and on one trip had a memorable group audience with Pope Paul VI at his summer residence. His working career included a variety of positions: assistant director of the Catholic Diocesan Bureau of Human Relations Services in Portland, assistant director of the Model Cities Program in Portland, and staff member for Governor Ken Curtis. His duties included writing speeches and doing advance work for visiting dignitaries.

In his late twenties, Richard’s life was completely changed with the onset of mental illness. He experienced extensive hospitalizations and was not successfully treated for his condition at that time. At the age of 38 he suffered from a debilitating stroke which restricted his ability to read and write.

In 1997 Richard moved to Arbor Terrace (formerly Gilbert Manor). He received appropriate medical treatment while he was there and developed several meaningful relationships. He expressed that “the staff there understood the man he was on the inside, not just the stroke victim people saw on the outside”.

In spite of the many unimaginable challenges in his life, his will to overcome was extraordinary. He will be remembered for his fortitude, his quiet dignity, and his keen sense of humor. He especially loved a good pizza, Dunkin Donuts coffee, and chocolate. He will be missed.

For several years, Richard’s cousin, Catherine (deceased) and husband, Robert Demers of Gardiner advocated for Richard and helped him obtain the services he needed. Clarence Thomas, of the Maine Yale Alumni Association, supported Richard for many years with visits and financial help.

He is survived by his cousins, Peter and Anita Morrissey of Sidney, and many other cousins who have been a great comfort to him.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to noontime, where a funeral service will follow at noontime, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, in Gardiner.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in Richard’s memory to:

Arbor Terrace

13 Plaisted St.

Gardiner, ME 04345

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