Richard James Manelick

GARDINER – We are sad to announce that Richard James Manelick has recently died at the age of 82 years on August 30, 2021 in Augusta. Dick was born Nov. 6, 1938 in Pittsburg, to Metro James Manelick and LaVaughn Blair Manelick.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Gail Maynard Manelick. “Gail and Dick” as they were known, were married in 1962. They purchased a home in Gardiner and never moved– becoming great neighbors, not only to those on their immediate street, but to the greater Gardiner community.

Dick will be much missed by his son and daughter-in-law, Kurt James Manelick and Lisa Snow-Manelick, as well as his older daughter, Wendy Maynard-Manelick Bell, her husband Stephen Ellis; and Dick’s granddaughter, Cordelia Pamela Bell. His youngest daughter, Pamela Ireland Manelick, passed in ‘87, but is well-remembered by her family, friends and the Gardiner community.

Dick was fortunate to have two loving younger sisters, Jacka Beckwith and Cheryl Ellis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Edward Beckwith, Melody Beckwith, Robert Beckwith, Barry Beckwith; Angela Leak and Andrea Ellis; Paula Ward and Karen Ward; Jeff Turner and Jill Mercier (now deceased).

Dick grew up in Dresden, attending the now historic Dresden Brick School house and later, Bridge Academy. He graduated, most likely to succeed from Tullahoma High School, in Tennessee. At a young age, he became a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He never lost his love of flight, taking family to airports just to “watch the planes”, building model airplanes, and visiting flight museums. When traveling in a small plane, he once took over for the pilot!

He was proud to serve in the Army Reserves for 25 years, becoming a valued instructor and achieving the rank of captain. He was recognized for outstanding service to the nation. Dick also made a successful career of 35 years at the Bath Iron Works, starting as a machine shop apprentice and working to senior project engineer until his retirement.

Dick was committed to community service, even achieving the level of 32nd Degree in the Masonic Order and was also a member of the Shriners. He was a long-term member of the Gardiner Sportsman Club. The club was a place for him to seek friendship while helping the community in children’s bike giveaways and other projects. He loved his small boat. The Sportsman’s was his special place to launch and spend the day trolling the Cobbossee, usually with his son. Gail and Dick were also happy members of the Pine Tree Campground, Chapter #33 in Buckfield, where they spent 29 years cultivating wonderful, supportive friendships.

Upon retiring, he chose to become a full-time substitute teacher, willing to take on any grade level in the Gardiner School System. He would get up at 5 a.m. and eagerly wait for the call. He was always supportive of Gardiner High School in particular. Even after his children graduated, he continued to attend football games for decades, with the old Gardiner vs. Cony game being his favorite. A sports fan, Dick followed the New England Patriots, but his true love in sports was the Boston Red Sox. One of the highlights of his life was when they (finally) won the 2004 World Series! In his last days, his loving family made sure he could hear the 7 p.m. game playing.

Dick will be buried at the beautiful Forest Hill Cemetery in Dresden on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. He will be honored by both the Military and the Masons. The family would kindly welcome attendees to wear masks. The ceremony will be within view of the one room schoolhouse he attended, not far from the Kennebec River and his childhood home.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Highland Avenue United Methodist Church

35 Highland Ave.

Gardiner, ME 04345;

or, to the Maine Special Olympics https://support.specialolympics.org/maine