GREENVILLE – Representative Earl E. Richardson of Greenville passed away on Wednesday morning, following a long illness. Richardson was serving as the Representative for House District 27. In response to his passing, Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings offered the following statement:
"Rep. Richardson's passing is another very difficult loss for the Maine House of Representatives and for Maine people.
"Earl was simply a tremendous person to work with. In his seven years of service here in the Legislature, he distinguished himself through his strong commitment to his constituents and his work on the Legislature's Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Committee.
"We are deeply saddened by his loss, and our hearts go out to his wife Avis, his four children, and to his friends and family.
"On a personal level, Earl extended a great deal of kindness to me when I faced a difficult loss in my own family this session, and it is my hope that we may offer his family the same support and compassion in this difficult time."
Representative Richardson served District 27, the municipalities of Abbot, Beaver Cove, Bowerbank, Brownville, Cambridge, Greenville, Guilford, Monson, Parkman, Sebec, Shirley, Willimantic and Plantation of Kingsbury, plus the unorganized territories of Blanchard Township, Northeast Piscataquis (including Barnard and Elliottsville Townships) and Northwest Piscataquis.
EARLE E. RICHARDSON, SR
GREENVILLE, Earle E. Richardson, Sr., 80, passed away on August 8, 2007 at home, surrounded by family, after a short illness. He was born December 2, 1926 in Carmel, to Augustave and Bertha (Hill) Richardson. Earl graduated from Carmel High School in 1944 and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He also served as a hospital corpsman at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Cecil R. Cole Post 94, and a Mason. He was a member of the American Legion Cecil R. Cole Post 94, and the Columbia Doric Masonic Lodge in Greenville.
Following his military service, he obtained his accounting degree from Husson College. In 1947, Earl married Avis Weir and they began their long life together. He served as town manager of Monroe and Greenville before venturing into business on his own. He and his wife Avis owned and operated the Boom Chain Restaurant in Greenville for over 30 years. The Boom Chain was a popular gathering spot in town for the locals and they made many lifelong friends there.
Earl started Moosehead Cable TV in 1963 with his friends, Dick and Max Folsom, a business that is still in the family today. Earl had a long and dedicated career in public service. He served on several local boards including selectman, sanitary district, chamber of commerce, seaplane fly-in and airport committee. Currently, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Border Trust Bank, and was serving his fourth term in the Maine State Legislature for District 27, where he served on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
Earl loved to fly and obtained his commercial and instrument ratings. He made fishing trips annually to Canada and several large cross country flights including Alaska. He was active as a Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol, flying several search and rescue missions. He looked forward every fall to hunting camp with his friends and family. He enjoyed boating on Moosehead, working, playing, and experiencing the outdoors. He was proud to be a registered Maine Guide.
He is survived by his wife, Avis, and four children, Karen and her husband, Richard “Stretch” Kennedy of Hopkinton, NH, Scott and his wife, Barbara of Greenville Jct., Stuart and his wife, Debbie, of Fallon, NV, and Earl Jr. and his wife, Susan, of Greenville Jct. Grandchildren include Mildred and husband Eric Sterling, Anne, Julie, Kristie, Star and husband Jason Rothert, Ariel and Martha; and one great-grandson, Steven Rothert. Earl was predeceased by two sisters, Virginia and Kathleen.
He is survived by brothers, Clement and wife, Diane, Dale, Wayne and Gerry, and sister Tracy and husband Richard, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends mat call from 4 to 7 PM, Monday, August 13, 2007, at the Crosby & Neal Greenville Chapel, at the Masonic Temple. Pritham Ave. in Greenville. Private graveside services will be held at the Greenville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to C.A. Dean Hospital, P.O. Box 1129, Greenville, ME 04441. Please sign the online guestbook at www.CrosbyNeal.com.