Winthrop R. Richards
VASSALBORO – Winthrop R. Richards, 84, passed away Friday, July 9, 2021 in Vassalboro. He was the beloved husband of Pauline (O’Brien) Richards. Born in Benton, Maine March 7, 1937, he was the son of the late David and Hildred (Shores) Richards. He grew up in Benton and lived at the family farm and was the 4th oldest of 10 siblings.
Winthrop was a graduate of Lawrence High School and attended the University of Maine. While in high school he was actively involved in 4H and a full-pledged member of The Future Farmers of America receiving his State Farmer Degree. He and others in his class exhibited several head of dairy cattle at both the Windsor and Skowhegan State Fair and he served as a Class Officer in the role of Vice President and President of FFA during his last two years in high school. He was employed at Scott Paper Co., Keyes Fibre Co. and Bath Iron Works retiring in 1999.
Winthrop was an avid coach of pee-wee football and baseball for many years working with kids to improve their skills in the central Maine area. He also loved to bowl and was on various bowling leagues while at Keyes Fibre. One of his hobbies was wagering on the horses at various fairs throughout Maine and in the Kentucky Derby where he had a couple winning tickets. Winthrop was always interested in sports, including Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Golf and he especially liked Nascar. He enjoyed being with his family and was always up for a challenging discussion whether it was about sports or politics.
He is survived by his wife Pauline (O’Brien) Richards of Vassalboro; three daughters, Rhonda Giroux (Paul) of Liberty Twp., Ohio, Laurie Harding (Scott Pooler) of Vassalboro, and Brenda Ailstock (Ted) of Jacksonville, Fla. Winthrop was predeceased by his two sons and grandson, Wynn in 1968, Daniel in 2019, and grandson Daniel II in 1994. Daniel’s wife, Melinda Richards resides in Gloucester, Va. Winthrop had several nieces and nephews; ten grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A private service will be held at 11 am on Monday July 19, 2021 at Shawmut Chapel, Shawmut, with burial following the service at Falls Cemetery in Benton.
In lieu of flowers,
the family requests
donations to the:
Waterville Humane Society
Capital Campaign
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