By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Rick Paraschak celebrated his 66th birthday with a vacation, which included a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

“It was amazing,” was how the long-time Naples resident described the view along with photos that were posted on Facebook.

This past Sunday, March 29, Paraschak passed away at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston due to complications from COVID-19.

(See his obituary)

The news, as it traveled across social media, shocked folks in his hometown and across the Lake Region.

“Rick Paraschak was one of the most decent and dedicated residents of our community. He had a true heart of service for his neighbors, the people of Naples. I will miss him a lot,” posted Rich Cebra.

Christine Powers wrote, “From Kelsey’s (her daughter) softball coach 20 years ago to our years together on the Naples Board of Selectmen, you were an important part of my life and a trusted friend and coworker. My heart is broken. The town of Naples lost a great person too soon.”

And, Robert Fogg added, “We’ve been friends and neighbors for 30 years, and more recently co-members of the planning board. Always the voice of reason. Smart. Honest. Highly respected. There’s a huge void in our community that won’t go away anytime soon. People like you are supposed to fade away slowly. RIP Rick. We will miss you.”

A co-worker from the Maine Department of Transportation, who had tried to set up a meeting with Paraschak for this week but failed to get a reply, wrote, “He was such a professional with his work and everybody respected him. He had a calm demeanor that always diffused tense situations. He is someone I adored and will miss terribly. He tested positive for the virus one week ago, and he passed away today. I am still in shock. He was otherwise a healthy man, who loved to talk about his children, and always had a kind word and a helping hand for those in need. He was also a volunteer firefighter and an EMT and was involved in his local government. I am still in shock that this virus took his life and took it so quickly. Please, please, heed the warnings out there and stay home and social distance. This virus is extremely deadly, and that fact hit home very strongly with me today. Rick Paraschak, I will miss you.”