Richard W. May

Old Town will be a little quieter, but a lot less fun with the passing of Richard W. May on November 24, 2010. Richard was born in Newport, Rhode Island, the second son of Alice (Nimmo) and John A. May on December 6, 1946 and he died with dignity and grace after a year-long struggle with melanoma, at his home with his precious family and dear friends.

Richard was a 1965 graduate of East Hampton (Connecticut) High School where his high school year book stated “generally speaking, he’s generally speaking”.

In December of 1965 he enlisted in the United States Air Force with tours of duty in Japan, Korea and Viet Nam. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant; he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command and served as crew chief on the C-130 and was affectionately called the “Herkey Healer”. He was awarded the following decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksman Medal. Richard was very proud of his service to the Air Force and his country.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1969, Richard returned to East Hampton, Connecticut and worked at Pratt and Whitney for two years before moving to Maine. Shortly after moving to Maine he met his wife Carol Conners and they enjoyed almost 39 wonderful, loving years together, sharing life’s experiences, sorrows and joys. A great source of pride for Richard was his family -- he loved them dearly and was so proud of them. His precious grandchildren, Conner Michael and Sadie “B” were the light of his life.

Richard, known as “The Rocket” to many of his friends, held a variety of jobs where he was able to use his outgoing personality, meeting and making friends all along the way -- Viner Music Company, DeOrsey Music Store and then he worked for Prudential Insurance Company for 18 years, and continued his insurance career with New England Financial and Maine Street Insurance. It was the insurance business that he truly loved and gave him the opportunity to meet and serve his clients who became his friends. During his career with Prudential he received several awards including the New Agent Gold Award and the Pride of Prudential Award. His career in insurance led to a long association with NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) where he thoroughly enjoyed his friends and associates. Richard W. May, LUTCF received the following awards from NAIFA: NALU President 1998-2000, the Arthur H. and Helen W. Charles Excellence in Association Award 2001, NAIFA President 2002-03, Association Award for Excellence 2003, President’s Award 2003-04 and 2008, the Silver Award 2004-05, and the J. Putnam Stevens Award 2006, President’s Award 2008.

Richard was a member of the VFW Post 3381 and AMVETs Post 9. He took special pleasure in coaching the Leonard Middle School girls soccer team, fondly naming them the “Blue Waves”. He also coached several high school boys soccer league teams and Little League. He was an avid golfer and a happy member at Rocky Knoll Golf Course.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol; two sons, Michael and his wife Mandy and their children Conner and Sadie; David and his girlfriend Jodi Leigh and her children Tyler and Cameron; his mother, Alice May; two brothers, John A. May, and Gordon L. May and his wife Jaunitta; his sister-in-law Margaret Baker of Old Town; nieces and nephews Karen May, Jessica and J.P. Rojo and Morgan and Chris Hendsbee, Carol and Bub White, Eric and Janelle Jones, and Samantha and Joey Downs; great nieces and nephews, Kenny, Olivia, Emma, Keith, Sarah, Kai, Kianna, Ariyah, Allyson, Emily, Mikey and Casey, his very best friend Edward “Dots“ Lucas and his children Ericka, Ryan and Molly, “almost”-brothers Jimmy and Jerry Lucas, very special friends Jean and Ed Ketch; and his many clients -- who he considered family.

He was pre-deceased by his father, John A. May, Sr.; his brother, Kurt A. May; and his mother and father-in-law Mary and John Conners.

Richard loved his life -- he adored his family, he treasured his friends and he was passionate in his pride and love of country.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Birmingham Home Funeral Home 438 Main Street Old Town, ME 04468 at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 where friends may call from 1 p.m. until time of service.

In Richard’s memory give someone a hug, a high five and tell them you love them. “Yo, Baby!” Condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com