Richard A. "Rich" Dickinson Jr.

Niantic - Richard A. "Rich" Dickinson Jr. of Niantic, formerly of Portland, departed this life May 25. 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years Theresa (Reedy) Dickinson; and his cherished daughter Mikayla Dickinson; as well as his sister Cindy Bennett; brother Ronald Dickinson (Carrie); brother-in-law Matt Cordner; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Rich was predeceased by his mother Joan (DeGraff) Dickinson; father Richard Dickinson Sr.; sisters, Denise Cordner and Cheryl Ranno; his brother Michael Dickinson; and brother-in-law Ted Bennett.

Rich graduated in 1979, from Vinyl Technical High School, Middletown, where he specialized in auto body. He went on to work at Airborne Express, which later became DHL. He had an amazing relationship with his regular customers, so much so, that they were more like friends. Rich would talk with anyone and had a personality that drew people in. He could relate to a story and loved to share his adventures with everyone. He retired from DHL in 2018, after a successful 30-year career.

Rich was a man of many talents and skills. He was very resourceful and could fix anything. He was an avid hunter of ducks, pheasant and deer and also enjoyed fishing both fresh and saltwater. He spent many years exploring the White Mountains of Maine, an area he truly loved, on his snowmobile with friends and family. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle visiting many different places with family and friends. Richard was also passionate about flying and had hoped to one day get his pilot's license and a plane of his own.

Rich loved many genres of music and often surprised his family with his unique song choices. He was a phenomenal cook who always loved to try new recipes and share them with his family and friends. Rich loved the thrill of gambling and would make a bet on most anything, as long as he knew he could win. He was a bargain hunter and no matter what always got a deal!

Rich was full of life and had a unique sense of humor that could make everyone laugh. His warm caring, carefree, larger-than-life personality touched everyone he met. He had a smile that could light up a room. He always looked out for others and was always willing to help anyone and did it so often. His family was everything to him. Rich was definitely one-of-a-kind; his stories and laughter will be missed; and he will always share a special place in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, in St. Mary's Church, Portland. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Portland. Calling hours will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass in St. Mary's Church. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, is in charge of arrangements. ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.