SARASOTA, Fla. — Mr. Richard (Dick) Comeau, 93, passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, Oct. 2, at Hawthorne Village in Sarasota, Fla. He had been in failing health since June. He was formerly of Rumford.

He was born to Leo and Hilda (Willoughby) Comeau in Dixfield on June 3, 1925.

On Jan. 10, 1948, he married his loving wife, Dorothy Arsenault. They had one daughter, Pamela (Comeau) Benton, of Sarasota, Fla.

Dick proudly served his country during World War II for over three years in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in January 1946 with the rank of signalman 3rd class. He loved to share his memorable adventures he had during this time.

Dick was a lifelong resident of The River Valley area until October 2014, when he decided to relocate to Sarasota to be with his daughter, Pam, and grandson, Ryan Benton, his pride and joy!

He was educated in Dixfield schools and completed a course in machinist and blueprinting sponsored by The National Youth Administration. He received a GED from Stephens High School.

Dick worked for Oxford Paper Co. and Boise Cascade Corp. for 40 years; the last 20 years he was assigned to several foreman positions in the construction and maintenance departments. He retired in 1986 as the foreman and inventory coordinator in the storeroom.

Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and especially the lawn parties with his family and friends at the family summer cottage in Harpswell. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and Patriots.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 24, the VFW post 1641, the FOE Aerie 1248, all in Rumford, and a former member of OCC in Mexico.

He was a parishioner of the Parish of the Holy Savior St. Athanasius-St. John Church in Rumford.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Pam Benton, and grandson, Ryan, of Sarasota, Fla.; Ryan’s father, Matthew Benton, of Sarasota; a very special companion, Pearl Murphy, of Rumford, and the entire Murphy family; a brother, Donald, and wife, Claudia Comeau, of Sarasota and OOB; a brother, Alan Comeau, of Rumford; a sister, Theresa Comeau, of Saco; a sister-in-law, Cecile Comeau, of Rumford; and many special and loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Dot; his parents: stepfather, Stanley Jonaitis and stepmother, Olive; his brother, Arthur, and wife, Dorothy; his sister, Edna, and husband, Omer Mace; his sister, Mildred, and husband, Robert Wood; and his brother, William Comeau. Dick also had many fishing and hunting buddies go on before him, as well as several of his golfing friends. He’s got a heck of a welcoming committee waiting for him.

Rest in peace, Dad, we all love you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Parish of The Holy Savior St. Athanasius-St. John Church in Rumford. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Rumford. Those who desire may contribute to Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St., South Paris, ME 04281 in his memory. Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford.

Richard (Dick) Comeau