Obituary for Richard John McWilliams Jr.
Richard John McWilliams, Jr. (87) of Dover, New Hampshire and Coplin Plantation, Maine passed away on March 10, 2023.
Richard, fondly known as Dick, was the first baby born in Lewiston, Maine on January 1, 1936, to and the eldest child of Richard Sr. and Eloise (Davenport).
He was a talented musician, playing first chair trombone at Lewiston High School, and brought joy to many throughout college on the weekends playing in a variety of dance and jazz bands. He graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958 where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta and met the love of his life, future wife and best friend, Imogene (Mollison).
Dick began working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a summer intern in the mechanical drafting department during college and went on to serve at the shipyard for 37 years in a variety of positions with progressively increasing responsibility retiring in 1993 as the Head Engineer of the Refueling Engineering Division.
When Dick wasn’t working and throughout his 30 years of retirement, he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hiking, camping, cycling, and following his favorite pastime, downhill skiing primarily at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. At Sugarloaf, he enjoyed the early morning locker room conversations, and 10 a.m. break time at Bullwinkles, a mid-mountain lodge, where he met up with his ski friends to warm-up and enjoy each other's company. He and Imogene were inseparable and enjoyed their many outdoor adventures together throughout their travels in North America and Europe.
Dick loved his family deeply and was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many hours as a spectator, supporting his family at concerts, sporting events (baseball, softball, dance recitals, field hockey, soccer, skiing) and in pursuing their individual passions.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Imogene and their two daughters Joan Dolan (Scott) and Sheila Palczynski (Michael). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Cameron (wife Macenzie), Matthew and Elisabeth Palczynski, Connor, and Lance Dolan along with Brother in-law Robert Pelletier, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dick was predeceased by his parents Richard Sr. and Eloise, and his sister Marjorie (Pelletier) and nephew Robert (Pelletier).
Dick’s family will host a celebration of life on April 22nd, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road (Rt. 4), Lee, NH. Following the celebration, the family invites attendees to join them for a reception located in the function room located on the Chapel premises.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Sugarloaf Ski Club, 9008 Main Street, Carrabassett Valley ME, 04947 or to the charity of your choice.
Richard, fondly known as Dick, was the first baby born in Lewiston, Maine on January 1, 1936, to and the eldest child of Richard Sr. and Eloise (Davenport).
He was a talented musician, playing first chair trombone at Lewiston High School, and brought joy to many throughout college on the weekends playing in a variety of dance and jazz bands. He graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958 where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta and met the love of his life, future wife and best friend, Imogene (Mollison).
Dick began working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a summer intern in the mechanical drafting department during college and went on to serve at the shipyard for 37 years in a variety of positions with progressively increasing responsibility retiring in 1993 as the Head Engineer of the Refueling Engineering Division.
When Dick wasn’t working and throughout his 30 years of retirement, he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hiking, camping, cycling, and following his favorite pastime, downhill skiing primarily at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. At Sugarloaf, he enjoyed the early morning locker room conversations, and 10 a.m. break time at Bullwinkles, a mid-mountain lodge, where he met up with his ski friends to warm-up and enjoy each other's company. He and Imogene were inseparable and enjoyed their many outdoor adventures together throughout their travels in North America and Europe.
Dick loved his family deeply and was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many hours as a spectator, supporting his family at concerts, sporting events (baseball, softball, dance recitals, field hockey, soccer, skiing) and in pursuing their individual passions.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Imogene and their two daughters Joan Dolan (Scott) and Sheila Palczynski (Michael). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Cameron (wife Macenzie), Matthew and Elisabeth Palczynski, Connor, and Lance Dolan along with Brother in-law Robert Pelletier, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dick was predeceased by his parents Richard Sr. and Eloise, and his sister Marjorie (Pelletier) and nephew Robert (Pelletier).
Dick’s family will host a celebration of life on April 22nd, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road (Rt. 4), Lee, NH. Following the celebration, the family invites attendees to join them for a reception located in the function room located on the Chapel premises.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Sugarloaf Ski Club, 9008 Main Street, Carrabassett Valley ME, 04947 or to the charity of your choice.