Richard R. Gildersleeve

1942 - 2018

Gildersleeve, Richard R.
Richard R. Gildersleeve, of Westbrook, formerly Portland, died Sunday, April 8, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on November 23, 1942, to James B. and Mary (Allen) Gildersleeve. At a young age, Rick developed a passion for drumming that stayed with him for the rest of his life. He played in various local bands for many years. Rick worked as the Store Manager for Carolyn Adams Country Barn, in Durham. He also dedicated years of service to the Portland Historical Society, including serving as the Society's president and program director, and spent time researching and writing about Portland history, the Gildersleeve shipyards, and family genealogy. Rick's passion for history also led him to cultivate an interest in the Civil War and, especially, cannons. In his retirement, he devoted himself to serving Trinity Episcopal Church, where he attended services each week, served as a member of the Vestry, and volunteered his time cleaning and maintaining the church facility, even after moving to Westbrook. Rick also spent significant time in his retirement caring for his two young grandchildren, Abigail and Zachary, who adored their grandpa as much as he adored them.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Lynn (Carey) Gildersleeve, of Westbrook; his daughter, Elizabeth Gildersleeve, her husband, Michael Alviar, and their children, Abigail and Zachary, of West New York, NJ; his son, Andrew Gildersleeve, and his girlfriend, Emily Keevil, of Arlington, VA; his sister, Rebecca (Gildersleeve) Robinson, of Middletown; his brother-in-law, John Carey, of Pawcatuck; his sister-in-law, Pamela Carey, of Holderness, NH; and devoted nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 21st, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main Street, Portland. A reception will follow immediately afterward in the church hall. Burial will be at the discretion of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main Street, Portland, CT, 06480, or the Portland Historical Society, 492 Main Street, Portland, CT, 06480. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.