FAIRFIELD – It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Richard Cyr on May 20, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on Sept. 4, 1933, in Waterville, the son of Raoul and Margaret (Donnelly) Cyr. He attended local schools, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1951.

Dick was drafted into the Navy and served on the USS Elsmere during the Korean War. After the service, Dickie worked for the family business, D.B. Donnelly Hardware for over 40 years. He was a very generous man, always willing to lend a hand. If someone was in need, he would open the store on Sundays or let them keep a tab. When the store closed in 1981, he went to work at Bill’s Truck Stop as the evening manager until he retired.

His nieces grew up in the hardware store roaming the aisles and spending time with their “second” dad Dickie. He loved taking them to the movies and the fairs. He was known as a terrible babysitter by the parents, but a loved one by the kids!

The month of May was always Dick’s favorite, a very loyal veteran, he would always put cemetery flags for any Legion member. The American Legion, Post 14 in Fairfield, was very important part of his life. He served as the financial officer and the chaplain for many years. He was very proud to march in the Memorial Day Parade for many years. You could also find Richard volunteering as an usher at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, at the 6 p.m. mass, for years.

Later in life, Dick was known around town for his pets. He would often be seen walking his dogs, Leibchen, Maggie, Zoey and Ziggy with frequent stops at the police department.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Raoul and Margaret Cyr; and a brother, Lawrence Cyr.

He is survived by his sister, Carole Boardman; his nieces Pam Sprague and husband Merton, Mary Bragdon and Stephanie Boardman Wallace and husband Scott; great-nephews Eric Farrington, Edward Hoyt and his wife Ashley Gilbert David Wallace and wife Desiree and Tyler Bragdon, great-nieces Sierra Boardman and Dalis Bragdon and her partner Kyle Myska; great-great-nephews Jayden Farrington and Henry Hoyt; and cousin, Danny Cyr and wife Pat.

Special thanks to Northern Light Homecare and Hospice and Ericka RN and Karen CNA; Aiden, our hospice volunteer who brought joy to Dick each week with his visits; Camilla and Claude Giguere for their visits that always left him smiling; and Tony Fowler who was a lifelong friend who visited him often. The family would also like to thank Garth and Sue Collins and Mellissa Burila for organizing and cooking for the reception.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday May 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 107 Main St., Fairfield. A mass will be held Wednesday May 31, at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church in 116 Silver St., Waterville. A reception will follow at the Legion Hall at 86 Main St., Fairfield. A private burial will be held at the family plot at St. Francis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

Catholic Charities Development Office

P.O. Box 10660

Portland ME 04104-6060 or

Waterville Animal Humane Society

100 Webb Rd.

Waterville, Maine

or wherever people would prefer.

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