Richard L. Ayer

WATERVILLE- Richard L. Ayer, 90, passed away on Oct. 1, 2023.

He grew up in Gray and New Gloucester, Maine, the son of Frederick and Marie Ayer. He graduated High School from Pennell Institute and earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education from Gorham State Teachers College.

He married his true love Pauline in 1954, finished college in 1955, and spent his first year of teaching in Fort Kent, Maine. In June of 1956 he moved to Winthrop, Maine where he filled the position as the WHS Industrial Arts teacher. During his years at WHS he taught drafting, was Athletic Director, and led the Cooperative Ed. Program. He taught Drivers Ed. for many summers. Richard coached girls’ basketball, boys’ baseball, archery and golf. He was also a basketball referee. After sixteen years at WHS he became a consultant for the Department of Vocational Education. As time passed, he missed the classroom and returned to teaching at the middle school level in Waterville, Maine.

Richard was a loyal fan of the Red Sox and Boston Celtics. In his younger adult years, he enjoyed deer and duck hunting with some of his fellow teaching buddies. He had a strong devotion to the Winthrop community serving on the Winthrop Conservation Committee, the start up of the Winthrop Federal Credit Union, and was very active with the Winthrop Bicentennial celebration. He loved the Winthrop Ramblers and kept track of the various teams throughout the years. He was thrilled to hear about Winthrop’s’ state-of-the-art athletic field and expressed a wish to see it for himself.

Richard was devoted to family and enjoyed spending his retirement years being a faithful follower to his granddaughter’s many activities.

Richard is survived by his daughter Susan Lamontagne and her partner Michael Twombly of Winthrop, his son Michael Ayer and his wife Judith of Waterville. His treasured granddaughter Jenna Lamontagne and her partner Adam Huff of Winthrop. His sister Lucille Sawyer and her husband Ed of Virginia, his brother William Ayer and his wife Sharon of Fredericton, NB, Canada. His sister-in-law Linda Ferri of Gray, Maine. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his loving wife Polly and his parents, Richard is predeceased by his brother Frederick Ayer and his wife Barbara.

Richard’s Visiting hours will be in the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. A private family graveside service will be held at Gray Village Cemetery, Gray, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to support Winthrop High School Athletics. Please make checks payable to Winthrop Athletics and mail to 211 Rambler Road, Winthrop, Maine 04364.