Richard P. Parenteau

BIDDEFORD - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, Richard P. (Moose) Parenteau.

Dick was born in Biddeford on April 23, 1944 to Marcel P And Rose A.(Chenard) Parenteau.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Dec. 23, after a  a long period of declining health.

Dick attended St. Andre's Grammar School and was a 1961 graduate of St. Louis High School. He attended the Dale Institute in Minneapolis where he earned a certificate in Computer Sciences. He returned to Biddeford and accepted a position as a Computer Operator in the Payroll Department of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

In 1966, Dick volunteered for service in the U.S. Army and after completing Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey was assigned to Germany with the 4th Armored Division during the Viet Nam War.  He achieved the rank of Spec 4 and completed his tour of duty in April of 1968.

Upon his discharge Dick returned to his position at PNSY and remained there in various supervisory positions until his retirement from SUBMEPP in August 2000 after 38 years of service.

In 1970, Dick met the love of his life Margaret Ann (Grette) Turner of South Portland. After one year of courtship Dick and Grette were married in Biddeford on Nov. 6, 1971.  They celebrated their 47th anniversary in November of this year.

During their sons' attendance at St. Andre's School he served as President of the PFTA for 11 years. He successfully raised money during his tenure for the purchase of equipment and projects needed for the school.  Dick was also a devoted member of the "chain gang" for the Biddeford High School football team for 25-plus years.  He reluctantly retired due to illness, but remained a fan and supporter of the entire Tiger sports program.

Some of Dick's most treasured memories were spending summer afternoons playing cribbage in his screen house and watching his family play in the pool.  Dick loved hosting Thanksgiving where he made many memories with and for the Turner clan.  Seats and tables were added as the family grew until the house was full and every room was a dining room!

He and Grette loved to travel and his favorite destination was Ireland where so enjoyed visiting the local pubs getting to know the Irish people and their traditions. Dick became a fan of all things Irish particularly their music and Guinness!

Moose never met a stranger, every errand run was a social event for him.  Trips to the grocery store, the bank and the recycling station took twice as long because he always met an old friend or made a new one.

Christmas  brought so much excitement, it was by far his favorite holiday. Dick loved giving, his knack for getting the perfect gift, his joy of giving and being with his family was unsurpassed. This year we honored his love of the holiday by gathering together as a family to laugh and cry, play a little cribbage, eat pork pie and of course open gifts .He was with us in spirit and in the faces of his sons and grandchildren.  Dick was at his happiest when surrounded by people, he truly enjoyed life.  We will miss him terribly.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother-in-law, Peter J. Turner.

He is survived by his wife Margaret (Grette), his son Christopher R. and his wife Christine of South Portland; and his son Michael and his wife Dawn of Gorham. He also leaves his sister JoAnn M. Parenteau of Biddeford and Winter Haven, Florida. He adored and treasured his four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sam, Erin and Jackie.  Dick will also be missed by his sister-in-law Ellen L, Turner RSM of Portland; and his eight nephews and two nieces, all of Maine.

Visiting Hours will 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005.   A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. in the Hope Chapel.

To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, American Kidney Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.  Dick suffered complications from all these terrible diseases.