Richard V. Willette, Sr Obituary (1933 - 2016)

Fairfield-Richard (Dick) V. Willette, Sr., 83, died unexpectedly, Sunday, October 30,2016 in Albion. He was born in Shawmut on June 11, 1933, son of Raymond and Connie(Murphy) Willette. Dick was the former owner of Chase Fuel Company in Winslow for over 52 years until he sold his business to the Dead River Company in 2001. Dick was a founding member of the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, which opened in September 1980 in the basement of Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Pleasant Street. He participated in cooking meals on Tuesdays and Thursday in the kitchen. Dick was the President and member of the Board of Directors for the Humane Society Waterville Area for over 30 years, a member of the Waterville Order of Elks, while serving for the Elks, Dick drove the Elks Association van all over the state of Maine offering free blood pressure, cholesterol and other test . He was also a member of the Waterville Lions club, where he served as past district governor for the State Lions Club. He also served as vice president of the Rome Grange and master of the Cascade Grange until it closed, as a member of the Antique Auto of Maine, you could see him drive his 1941 Ford Tudor sedan locally and in parades around the state. Dick was also involved in the Odd Fellows Club of Albion. He was predeceased by his first wife, Grace who passed away in 2010. Dick is survived by his wife, Gloria Ann (Robinson) Willette of Fairfield; two sons, Richard V. Willette, Jr and Bruce J. Willette; one sister, Rose Mary Ronco of Gardiner; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1st and 2nd from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9 AM on Thursday, November 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville, committal prayer and burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com In lieu of flowers, Donations in his memory can be made to the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville, Maine 04901 or to Loving Caring Hands Food Pantry, 33 Greene Rd, Fairfield, Maine 04937