PHILADELPHIA – Richard Jay Fairchild, 51, formerly of Monmouth, died unexpectiedly Saturday, June 19, in Philadelphia, Pa.

He was born in Portland on Nov. 23, 1952 the son of Thomas L. and Alice D. Fairchild. He grew up in Gorham and Monmouth, graduation from Monmouth Academy in 1971. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine, then known as the University of Portland-Gorham in 1976. While there he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity, serving as president during his senior year. After graduation he worked for the National Order of TKE, traveling to colleges throughout the United States and working in the National Headquarters located in Indiana. In recent years he worked in advertising in New York City and Miami, Fla.

He is survived by two sister, Tobey F. Burgess and Laurie F. Gifford and husband, Todd, both of Monmouth and brother, T. William Fairchild and wife, Ann, also of Monmouth. He will be deeply missed by his beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Alice Fairchild and his beloved cat, Bentley.