OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Best known for his big warm hugs and welcoming smile, William E. Dickey passed away on March 29, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Bill was born to Mildred and Roy Dickey and grew up in Skowhegan.

In Skowhegan, he met and married his one true love Gloria Jean, otherwise known as “Glo.” Bill and Gloria initially moved to Livermore Falls after High School to work for Livermore Falls Shoe before Bill went on to work for Hannaford Brothers for over 20 years.

It was in Livermore Falls that they started their family—their daughter Darci first and five years later their son Ryan. Bill and Gloria established lifelong friends in Livermore Falls, and Bill’s love of Christmastime inspired him to play Santa Claus at many a Christmas gathering. He had that special sparkle in his eye that made him perfect for the role, and he truly cherished the excitement and wonder he saw in the children that told Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Bill’s grandchildren have countless stories of their grandfather’s endless generosity. When his grandson Donnie was in Middle School and loved skateboarding, Bill built him a quarter pipe ramp in their driveway for him to practice on. Bill and his grandson Brady were always excited to construct the next fort or clubhouse, including a submarine they made from a simple refrigerator box—complete with a periscope fixed out of toilet paper rolls poking from the top. He loved seeing his granddaughter, Sarah Jean, enjoy her independence and develop her positive approach to the world. He loved seeing his grandson, Alex, become a Marine. He was so happy to see his granddaughter, Isabelle, thrive in her adult life and create beautiful crocheted blankets, and he was always eager to hear about his grandson, Shane’s, well-being. Proud beyond belief, Bill was their biggest cheerleader.

Being one of six children, Bill was especially close to his sister, Marilyn, and his brothers, Galen and Norman. Bill called Marilyn once a week just to chat about their kids, grandkids, and the goings on in Skowhegan. When Bill and Gloria started wintering in Florida, they so enjoyed that Norman and Pat would spend a month with them playing cards and having “happy hour” in their canal room. Bill and Gloria also treasured the friendship of the “Woodbridge Crew” in Old Orchard Beach, having Sunday dinners at each other’s houses and traveling together for well over 20 years. One of Bill’s proudest personal achievements was the challenge of climbing the Precipice in Acadia with them.

Spending time with new and old friends in St. Petersburg, Fla. over the last eight years felt like heaven on earth to Bill. During his time there, he enjoyed having a part in the Americana Cove Christmas play as a shepherd, cruising the park in the bright green golf cart with flames on the side, playing cards, and watching for dolphins in the canal.

Bill was a gift to all who knew him. His son, Ryan Dickey, who is married to Jennifer Dickey, remarked, “my heart will never be as big as Dad’s, but I’m trying. He was a true inspiration to mold my life after.” His daughter, Darci, married to Don Foshay Jr., feels enormously grateful to have had Bill Dickey as her father for the last 55 years, saying, “my Dad loved people. Everyone he met was a potential friend. His positivity was infectious, and I know his spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.”

Our family would like to especially thank the staff at St. Anthony’s infusion center in St. Petersburg, Fla. They took extra special care of our Dad, and he loved them all. And our tremendous gratitude to Dr. Ahmad Shaker, who treated our father like he was his own.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Aug. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Duffy’s Tavern & Grill, 168 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Obituary: Robert Perry

Next »

Obituary: Barry Austin DeLong