TOPSHAM — Richard Carl Averill, 75, died June 11 at his home in Topsham.
Averill was born in Erie, Pa., on Nov. 10, 1937, a son of Donald Alfred and Vivian Mary Elizabeth Averill. He grew up in surrounding Erie County and graduated from Edinboro Area School.
From 1955 to 1977, he served in the U.S. Navy, making it his career and love. He was stationed on the coast of California and performed many tours of duty as a jet-engine mechanic aboard aircraft carriers, including the USS Shangri-La, USS Bon Homme Richard, USS Constellation and USS Yorktown. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he also had a short duty in Italy and at the Naval Air Station in Brunswick, where he retired. Later, he worked for Lane Construction as a heavy equipment mechanic.
Averill enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family, whether they were camping, boating, fishing, water-skiing or just enjoying leisure time on the lakes and ocean. He also had a great love of country and western music and particularly enjoyed tunes from the 1950s and 1960s. He will always be remembered for his spirited story-telling and witty jokes.
He is predeceased by his parents; five brothers, Donald M. Averill, William R. Averill, Robert A. Averill, Earl R. Averill and James E. Averill; and sister Erdine. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Averill; three daughters, Debra J. Gibb and her husband David Gibb, of Dresden, Darlene V. Bisson, of Topsham, and Donna Plourde, of Florida; six grandchildren, Monique J. Pelletier, of Lisbon, Dustin A. Bisson, of Harpswell, Arthur D. King, of Bath, Miranda Plourde, of Tennessee, Kyle Plourde, of Tennessee, and Shannon Plourde, of Florida; one great-grandchild, Selene R. Pelletier, of Lisbon; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral with military honors was held Tuesday at Brackett Funeral Home, in Brunswick. Private interment will be held at a later date in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta
Averill’s family would like to extend a special “thank you” to all of the hospice caregivers at CHANS Home Health Care.
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