1931 – 2016

WATERFORD — Richard Lee Abbott, 85, of Waterford passed away Sunday, Aug. 28, at his residence.

He was born Feb. 22, 1931, in West Paris to Thelma Annie Richardson and Leroy Spinney Abbott. He graduated from West Paris High School in the Class of 1949, and was a graduate of Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Ill. Richard served three years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of staff sergeant.

He was employed by New England Telephone and NYNEX for nearly 38 years serving as central office equipment installer, central office switchman, and central office supervisor over the course of employment, retiring on Dec. 28, 1991. Richard also served as a reserve deputy sheriff with the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department for 24 years.

He played the alto saxophone with the Parisien dance band for many years, was a member of the Ring-McKeen Post of the American Legion, a life member and past president of the Paris Cape Historical Society, a member of the National Rifle Association, and the Oxford ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Richard enjoyed music, gardening, carpentry, hunting and fishing.

He has two daughters, Kelly Paquet of Oakland and Lori Tenvold of Benton City, Wash.; one sister, E. Pauline Morgan of Wilton; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; his wife, Susan; and former wife, Natalie Hobbs.

He was predeceased by two former wives, Patricia Abbott and Ruth Abbott.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.