Richard J. Ranaghan Sr.

Richard J. 'Diddy' Ranaghan Sr., 94
PORTLAND -- Richard J. 'Diddy' Ranaghan Sr., 94, died at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. He had been a resident of the facility since June, 2007.
Richard was born in Portland on Sept. 8, 1918, the oldest child of Charles and Margaret (Costello) Ranaghan. He was a proud graduate of Cheverus High School, Class of '37. Richard was a stand-out baseball player, both in high school and in the semi-pro league. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a Portland Police Officer with his appointment to the department in September of 1941.
In May of 1942, Richard entered the Army and served in the European Theatre for close to three and half years. He received five Battle Stars for the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge campaigns.
After his military service, Richard then rejoined the Police Department in 1945 and retired in June of 1973 with the rank of Sergeant. After retiring from the PPD, Diddy worked for the Maine State Liquor Commission for 10 years.
A true fan of high school sports and New England sports, Richard enjoyed the Red Sox, the Celtics and the Patriots. Another passion of his was horseracing. Diddy also very much enjoyed his winter trips to Florida with his close friend, Jimmy Vasile. Along with his fondness for Cheverus, Richard had an affinity for the city of Portland.
He was a communicant of Saint Patrick's Church and a member of the Andrews Post American Legion, the Elks Club, the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association, the Portland Police Benevolent Association and a Charter Member of the Maine Association of Retirees.
Richard is survived by his wife, Helen (Quinn) Ranaghan; his son, Richard J. Ranaghan Jr. and his partner Joy O'Brien of Portland, and daughter Margaret Hoyt and son-in-law Gary of Scarborough. His grandchildren include James and Matthew Ranaghan and John, Elizabeth and Sarah Catherine Hoyt. Other survivors include his sister, Catherine Monn, his brother, Edward P. Ranaghan, both of Portland; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas H. Ranaghan Sr. in 2011.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Sedgewood Commons for the exceptional care and compassion extended to Richard. We are forever grateful.
Visiting hours will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., in Portland. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 26, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland. Burial will follow in Old Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's name to:
The Alzheimer's Association
Maine Chapter
383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Richard J.
Ranaghan Sr.