Richard St. Peter Sr.

HARRISON — Richard “Dick” Joseph St. Peter Sr., 87, of Harrison, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at his home.

He was born June 4, 1928, in Fort Fairfield, a son of Herbert and Azelia Martin St. Peter. Always seen with a wide smile, wearing his flag lapel pin and being accompanied daily by his faithful black lab, Cinder, Dick enjoyed taking the time to acquaint himself and chat with other dog owners in the village. He was a friend to many; always greeting them with a firm handshake and a hearty “Hello.” He lived a full and interesting life — from being a proud Marine Veteran to working as a traveling salesman throughout the Eastern seaboard, with a particular affinity for Maine — to co-owning and operating the Twilite Motel in Ellsworth, with his wife Chrissy. He was very active volunteering in the community, which continued even into his eighties, when he served as distribution manager for a local newspaper.

Growing up in the East Deering section of Portland, he married the love of his life, Christine Adams, a romance that lasted 64 years. They lived in Massachusetts during the early years of their marriage, where they began raising their family, Patti and Richie. Returning to Maine they lived in Portland, Cumberland where Dick served on the School Board, and Ellsworth. While owning the Motel there, they relished wintering in Ft. Myers, Florida. They eventually chose to retire in a small town, purchasing their home in Harrison, where they have lived happily for the past twenty years. They enjoyed hosting and attending gatherings at the lake with friends or at their homes through the years, where Dick’s enthusiasm for good food never waned.

Dick was a member of the American Legion Post 139, Harrison, and the “Weary Club,” of Norway. His cheerful disposition, warm heart and presence in the village, will surely be missed.

Predeceased by his son, Richard St. Peter Jr.; his wife Christine Adams St. Peter; his sister Lorraine Doucette Kelby; and his brother Norman J. St. Pierre; he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and John Vierra of Gray and Land O’Lakes, Florida; his sisters-in-law Mary Agnes St. Pierre of Saco, Elaine Finik of Westbrook, Marcia Adams of Machias; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at Ruby Slippers Café and Bakery, in Harrison, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, from 3 to 5 p.m. A graveside service will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Richard J. St. Peter to: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd. Fryeburg, ME 04037, or to New England USO, 427 Commercial St., Boston, MA 02128.