Richard “Dick” DuBois

LEWISTON – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” DuBois who departed peacefully on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at the age of 92. Dick, Dad, Grampy, Mr. D, Flash and Coach touched many lives throughout his years as a loving husband, supportive father and grandfather, educator, coach and active parishioner at St. Philip’s Church in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Richard was born on July 29, 1933, in Lewiston to Germaine (Morneau) and Albert DuBois. As the oldest of five boys, he performed many jobs to help support the family: he delivered newspapers, he shined shoes “snapping” the rag to attract the GIs on leave, and he caddied at a local golf course, carrying two bags on a good day!

Dick attended Lewiston High School where he met the love of his life, Elaine Cote. During the Korean War, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and was stationed in Alaska, writing home frequently to Elaine. Upon his return, Dick married his high school sweetheart and moved to Orono so he could attend UMO on the GI Bill. He was the first in his family to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree.

As partners, he and Elaine raised six children in a modest home overlooking Pettengill Park in Auburn that they bought in 1964 by “divine providence.” This proved to be a perfect place to raise his family as many days were spent at the park playing ball, shooting hoops, riding bikes, ice skating and sledding. Nothing gave him more pride than his family. Dick enjoyed making tasty crepes and he was known for grilling big, juicy hamburgers with perfectly toasted buns. He taught by example, loved unconditionally, and sang our praises to anyone who would listen. Dick and Elaine provided stability to more than just their own family, supporting many “bonus children” who would come to Brookside Circle.

Dick’s calling was as an educator. His “old school” approach demanded effort. He gave partial credit to students who “showed their work” and invested much of himself to ensure their success. He’d willingly arrive early and stay late to help any student who wanted to learn. While he retired from Greely High School after 34 years, “Mr. D” continued teaching as an adjunct professor at CMCC for an additional 20+ years into his 80’s. His passion for teaching remained undiminished.

When not in the classroom, Dick was busy working multiple jobs to provide for his family. He painted houses, sold World Book encyclopedias and worked as a nighttime security guard just to name a few. Pride in his work was obvious as his time invested in those painting jobs often exceeded the time estimated in the quote. As for selling encyclopedias, this came quite naturally as it complimented his passion for education. He believed every home with children needed this valuable resource.

Living his faith was very important to Dick. In addition to being a founding parishioner and Lector at St. Phillip’s, he sang in the choir, organized pancake breakfasts and led a family group. Dick and Elaine also dedicated many years to spearheading the Holiday Wreath booth at the Christmas by the Lake Annual Fair, a year-round effort of collecting, painting and wiring pinecones, stringing cardboard, cutting greens and recruiting volunteers. To them, making wreaths provided an opportunity to build community, and raising money for the church was an added bonus!

Dick found joy leading sing-a-longs during family road trips, camping, playing sports and games with the family, dabbling in watercolor, gardening, but mostly through doing for others. Dick was a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, raising funds with his tenacious door to door, in-person approach, motivated by the cause of keeping our young community active and engaged. He was recognized with the Y Volunteer of the Year Award for his efforts. “Coach” also volunteered countless hours in the Y gym and Little League fields, where he made a positive impression on many. He was genuinely enthusiastic about providing children with the opportunities he lacked in his youth. He dedicated umpteen hours fundraising and working for Habitat for Humanity, believing everyone deserved to have a place to call home.

Both Dick and Elaine were supporters at local sporting events and performances, often to watch a grandchild participate or simply to enjoy the local talent.

Dick’s life was characterized by service, selflessness, and generosity. Ever the educator, he taught us about faith, love, giving, responsibility, accountability, integrity, compassion, and gratitude. To know him was to love him. He will be dearly missed.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Elaine, daughters Christine DuBois (Greg Reed), Patricia Foden, Carolyn Biegel (Peter), sons Thomas DuBois (Betsy), John DuBois (Tracey), Brian DuBois (Marnie); grandchildren Drew (Janna), Edward “Bogie” (Kathleen), Thomas (Cara), Lee, Carly, Catherine, Gretchen, Allison, Jaime (Rex), Timothy, Michael (Julia), Olivia, Madeleine, Bennett; great grandchildren Atticus, Nightengale, Rory, Bridger, and Galena; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Dick was predeceased by his mother Germaine, his father, Albert, his much-loved stepfather, Ernest Fontaine, his brothers Robert, Paul, Raymond and William, his son-in-law, Edward “Ted” Foden IV, and his great grandson Edward Foden VI.

A memorial Mass to celebrate Dick’s life will be held at St. Philip’s Church, 2365 Turner, Road, Auburn, Maine, on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements by Finley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dick’s memory be made to Andwell Health Partners, where Dick received extraordinary care. Please send donations to:

Andwell Health Partners

ATTN: Development Office

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240