1935 – 2015

AUBURN — Robert “Bobby” Richards, 80, a resident of Livermore, died Tuesday, May 12, at Hospice House of Androscoggin, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 30, 1935, in Livermore Falls, the son of Adelard “Pete” and Evelyn (Gilbert) Richards. He was a 1953 graduate of Livermore Falls High School. During high school, Bobby and his brother Gibby’s basketball team were state champions of 1951. He was also an avid football player. He joined the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957, serving on the USS Leyte Aircraft Carrier.

On May 12, 1956, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay, he married Reinette Simoneau. Bobby worked for International Paper at the Otis and Androscoggin mills in Jay. He retired as a machine-tender on No. 5 in 1997. He was a member of the International Paper Quarter Century Club and the Andies 53 Club. He enjoyed woodworking, camping in the Great North Woods (especially at Moosehead), breakfast with his buddies, and cutting, splitting, piling and burning wood. He also enjoyed having a whiskey and Pepsi on the porch at the end of the day.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Reinette Richards of Livermore; sons, Jeff Richards and fiancée, Desiree Dubreuil, of Livermore, Jack Richards and his wife, Angela, of Livermore, Peter Richards and his wife, Lisa, of Fayette; daughter, Joy Lake and husband, Greg, of Livermore Falls; seven grandchildren, Brady and wife, Nicole, Ethan and fiancée, Caitlin Pike, Kasey, Gabey Rae, Mattey, Samantha Rae and Jake; and two great-grandchildren, Kolby and Harper Rae.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Gibby Richards and sister-in-law, Glenda Richards. At Bobby’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service because his family will be cutting, splitting, piling and burning wood as well as having a whiskey and Pepsi on the porch.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.