Richard W. Faley

WINDHAM — Richard William (Dick) Faley, 82, of Windham died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011.

Dick was born in Hartford, Conn. on June 17, 1928. He attended Hall High School in West Hartford and graduated in 1946. He enlisted into the U.S. Army and obtained the rank of Private First Class, becoming honorably discharged on Dec. 24, 1947. He furthered his education at Duke University, graduating in 1951. Dick met his wife, Catherine “Marie” McMahon while in high school. They married in Bristol, Conn. in 1950 and moved to Durham, N.C. while Dick completed his senior year at Duke.

Following graduation from college, Dick took a job with Scott Paper Company. This job was followed by a lifelong career with the Travelers Insurance Company. Dick and Marie relocated many times during the course of their 58-year marriage spending most of their lives in Connecticut while they raised their three children. Dick retired from Travelers at the age of 57. He and Marie were able to share a lengthy retirement devoted to grandchildren, family and friends.

Dick was an accomplished baseball player in his youth. His pitching skills at both Hall High School and Duke University earned him the nickname, “Fireball Faley.” He played at Duke under legendary coach Colby Jack Coombs and at one time was offered a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers by Buzzie Bavasi.

While living in West Hartford, he was involved in several civic organizations such as the Exchange Club and Meals on Wheels and the Red Cross. After moving to Windham in 2005, Dick enjoyed sunsets on Sebago Lake with his wife Marie and time spent with family and friends at Jordan’s Camps in Fryeburg. He remained an avid Duke sports fan all of his life.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marie.

He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Faley Howard of Fryeburg; a son, Todd of Windham; and a daughter, Beth Bosco of Newington, Conn.; 10 grandchildren; two step-granddaughters; and a great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. For online condolences, please visit their website at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Suite 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.