Richard A. Messer Jr.

VASSALBORO – Richard A. Messer Jr., 71, of Evans Road, died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2025, at the Togus VA Hospital following a long illness.

Richard was born in Gardiner, on Dec. 26, 1953, the son of the late Richard A. Sr and Pauline (Blair) Messer. He grew up in the Gardiner and Bowdoinham areas.

On May 21, 1988, Richard married the love of his life Dolores Nelson in Pittston.

Starting at young age, Richard worked in his father’s business of Recycling, Repair and Towing Business. In 1989, together, Richard and Dolores started their own business, Pine State Towing and Best Price Towing, and later added Best Price Recycling. They owned operated businesses until their retirement in 2014.

In his spare time, he loved Stock Car racing at the Wiscasset Speedway #90 in the lite weight division in the 90’s, blowing his Dukes of Hazard Horn after every win. He enjoyed going to the Oxford and Foxwoods Casino. He enjoyed boating on Great Pond in Belgrade, fishing or just cruising the lake. He loved spending time surrounded by his family, especially his grand and great grandchildren. He also loved the company of his four-legged friends, many of which he had over the years.

Predeceased by a brother, Bidwood Messer; eight sisters, Theresa Messer, Sheryl Messer, Sandra Shockley, Bridget Messer, Doris McKenzie, Bonnie Therrian and Kim Messer; a grandson, Brodie Messer. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dolores Messer of Vassalboro; a stepson, Don D. and Joanne Nelson of Vassalboro; four sons, Richard A. Messer of Richmond, Chucky A. Messer of Brunswick, Jeremy D. Messer of Richmond and Charles D. Messer and his wife Martha Brown of Vassalboro; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Grace Sidelinger of Randolph, Tina Pelletier of Augusta, Laurie and her husband John Racine of Somerville; two brothers, William Messer of South Gardiner and Richie Messer of New Hampshire; a stepbrother, Patrick Alexander of Augusta; three stepsisters, Pauline Alexander of Lewiston, Gail Messer of Bowdoinham and Lydia Messer of Readfield; many nieces and nephews; four furry friends, Misty Baby, Max, Molly and Sassy.

A graveside service will be held in the spring on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Putnam Cemetery in Pittston. Arrangements and guidance in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.