AUBURN — Richard R. Sampson, 82, of 34 Heath Lane, Auburn, died Saturday, June 1, at the Odd Fellows Nursing Home, with family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Oct. 16, 1930, the son of Nelson “Whitey” and Juliette (Pinard) Sampson.

He was educated in Lewiston and Auburn schools and received his GED through the U.S. Navy. He served in the U.S.Navy from 1947 to 1957 during the Korean War and was on the USS Wasp CV18 aircraft carrier during the collision with the USS Hobson. He worked at the LA Airport for Northeast Airlines, was a barber with his father-in-law, Amedee Gobeil, worked at Canteen Vending and Songo Shoe, and retired from Discount Martin.

He married Georgette Gobeil of Auburn on Nov. 11, 1952. They were married for 60 years and resided at Heath Lane for the last 49 years. He enjoyed fishing and bowling and was an avid Boston Bruins fan. Anyone that knew “Dick” will remember him from his easygoing demeanor and “whistle-as-you-work” attitude. He was an excellent swimmer.

Dick is survived by his wife, Georgette; his five children, Rick and Kathy (Lavoie) Sampson of Lewiston, Ray and Sonya (Canning) Sampson of Auburn, Robbie Sampson of Queensbury, N.Y., Ann Sampson of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and Dennis and Celeste (Perrier) Sampson of Poland; eight grandchildren, Kimberly, Corey and wife, Emily Worth, Megan, Jenna, Kayla, Kyle, Jeremy and Jarod; one brother, Maurice and Joan Sampson of Lewiston; two sisters, Doris Therriault of Lewiston, and Joan and Wilfred Chouinard of Lewiston; and many sisters and brothers-in-law.

He was predeceased by parents, Nelson and Juliette; his brother, Edmund Sampson; and his newborn son, Daniel, in September 1954.

His family would like to thank the professional staff at Odd Fellows Home and his caretaker, Denise Barker, and Dr. Jeff Brown for their nurturing and support over the last nine years while Dick battled Alzheimer’s.

Online condolences may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.