Gary Richardson

YORK, Maine — Gary F. Richardson, 51, of Old Post Road in York, formerly a lifelong resident of Eliot, died on April 21, 2010, in South Berwick, the result of an automobile accident.

Born in Portsmouth, N.H., on May 29, 1958, Gary was a son of Elmer and Frances (Cole) Richardson. He was raised in and attended Eliot schools, graduating from Marshwood High School with the Class of 1976.

Gary was a plumber. He started learning his profession after high school working for Alvah Blaney of Kittery. Eventually he joined his father and operated Richardson Plumbing and Heating also of Eliot, Maine, for nearly 30 years. Gary was well known not only for his skill and hard work, but also for the care and concern he felt for each customer, many of whom became friends. Early in his career he helped build Camp Pride in New Hampshire, which gave him a great sense of accomplishment knowing his work helped disabled children. Gary was well known for his giving spirit, he was always the one to offer his help anytime and anywhere.

An active Mason, Gary served as Master of the Lodge in 1998 in Naval Lodge 184 A.F. & A.M. in Kittery, Maine. He was an active member of the South Berwick Rod and Gun Club where, among other things, he taught hunter safety for many years. He was also a frequent donor to the American Red Cross, whenever anyone needed a pint of blood.

He was a passionate outdoorsman who dearly enjoyed hunting trips in the Maine woods, snowmobiling, and time spent up in the Rangeley Lakes area with family and friends.

He was formerly married to Debbie Jones and together they raised a son, Sam, making a home in Eliot close to his family. His first love was unquestionably time spent with his family, especially Sam. Over the years he especially enjoyed helping out with Sam's many hockey teams and recently proudly watched him play for the Marshwood Hawks.

He is survived by: his son, Sam Richardson of Eliot; his parents, Elmer and Frances Richardson of Eliot; sisters, Janet and her husband, Terry Gagner of Kittery Point, Diana and her husband, Bruce Wallingford of Nantucket, Mass., Sandy and her husband, Mark Gagnon of South Berwick; brothers, Dan and his wife, Ella Richardson of Eliot, and Eric and his wife, Gail Richardson of South Berwick, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a nephew, Nathan Gagner.

He will also be dearly missed by his fiancee, Gail Small of York and her family.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 28, at 11 a.m. at the Eliot United Methodist Church on Route 236 in Eliot. Friends may visit with his family on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Masonic service beginning at 6 p.m. in the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The American Red Cross, 273 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801-6807; The Marshwood/Traip Hockey Boosters, 260 Dow Highway, South Berwick, Maine 03908-1844; or The South Berwick Rod and Gun Club POB, 184 South Berwick, Maine 03908.

Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits the online guest book.