Richard Galli Bachelder

1927-2024

Hallowell, ME- Richard Galli Bachelder died peacefully on June 6, 2024, at the age of 96. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Alice Bachelder, his two sisters Mary Sproul and Patricia Crowley, and his beloved wife of 59 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Heselton Bachelder.

It was his favorite saying, and he repeated it often : “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

Dick had three true loves: family, sports and all things Hallowell.

He and Betty raised five children on Mayflower Hill. At the time of his death, Dick had thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, and he took great joy in the strong and unique relationship he held with each grandchild. All feel his loss deeply, a true reflection of the love, connections and memories created together with Grammy and Gramp, especially at the Deck House in Sebago. Dick and Betty instilled a sense of family that has bound its members together through four generations, a true blessing and gift.

Dick had an outstanding sports mind. No sport was off limits, but tennis, golf and basketball were favorites. He was a long-time, active member of the Augusta Country Club, including serving as Club President and chair of the tennis committee. The ACC tennis courts were named in honor of Dick and Betty on his 90th birthday. To ensure year-long access, Dick joined with friends to oversee the creation of an indoor tennis facility in Augusta. He was blessed with a long life of golf and tennis memories made with many dear friends. As he approached his 90’s and could no longer play tennis, he delighted in watching his friends play. He just loved it.

Hallowell was in his DNA. He spent his entire life there except for college and time in the U.S. Army. He served as Mayor, on the Hallowell City Council, and in countless community leadership roles. But beyond serving Hallowell, he loved every rock and tree and high school basketball game. He loved the river, Water Street, the library, and Sacred Heart Church. Most of all he loved the people. In fact, he considered many of them part of his family too.

Dick was born on October 15, 1927 in Augusta, Maine. He graduated from Hallowell High School and earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Maine at Orono. He went on to a distinguished career with the State of Maine, culminating as Director of the Bureau of Public Improvements. Dick was universally respected in the construction industry throughout the State. After leaving State service, he enjoyed a satisfying second career as a private construction consultant and arbitrator.

He is already deeply missed by his children and their spouses: Susan and Leon Hadiaris of Saco; Judith and Tom Bullitt of Boston; Richard and Dr. Amy Ryan of York; Patricia and Dan Parker of Cumberland; and Katherine and Michael Coster of Falmouth. He will always be remembered and revered by his grandchildren and their children: Joshua and Ari Hadiaris (Eddie and Greta); Jennifer and Ryan Desrochers (Abe and Luke); Ben and Jess Bullitt (Nash and Tate); Lily Bullitt; John and Leslie Bullitt (Walker); Meg and Billy Bachelder; Emily and Matt Birchby (Parker, Winnie and Auggie); Libby and Jake Nilsson (Corey and Oliver); Anna Parker; Kate and David Stein (Nell); Jack and Jesse Coster; and Maggie Coster. He is also survived by in-laws George and Betty Heselton, Bill Heselton and many nieces and nephews who were in his prayers daily.

Dick Bachelder was indeed one of the luckiest guys in the world, and we were all lucky to have him. Go in peace, Dad.

The family wishes to thank the many friends who supported Dick in his final years, particularly the Granite Hill Estates community in Hallowell and the staff who cared for him during his short but meaningful stay at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at St. Mary’s Parish, 41 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330, with a gathering of family and friends to follow at the Augusta Country Club in Manchester.