Richard “Dickie” “Papa” Melanson

RUMFORD – Richard “Dickie” “Papa” Melanson, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, one day before his 96th birthday, at the Hospice House in Auburn with family by his side.

He was born on Jan. 14, 1930, son of Albert and Denise (Richards) Melanson. Richard was a graduate of Stephens High School, where he was an All-State football player. He worked many years for Boise Cascade, where he met his wife. Their love was instant and ever lasting. He enjoyed every moment spent with her, such as day adventures, playing games, watching TV, or dancing and listening to their favorite song “Key Largo” together. She was his best friend. After having a very intimate ceremony in 1987, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows, surrounded by their loved ones.

Dickie enjoyed the outdoors, from walking, hiking, to skiing, or taking a dip in the river. He loved playing and watching sports and enjoyed playing golf and pool with his brothers. He was an avid New England’s sports fan. He had a wonderful personality, always asking the grandkids playfully, “have you seen any today”, or “where’s your ticket”. You could always find Papa rocking in a rocking chair, singing songs he made up to his family. As his children grew up you could find him playing football, basketball and baseball in the yard with them. He was the biggest kid in the neighborhood, the cool dad. He was a loving husband, Dad, Papa and friend. He had a wonderful way of making his loved ones feel special.

Richard was blessed with a very large family, who loved him dearly. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie (Gould) Melanson of Rumford; son, Rick Melanson and wife Cathy of Saco, daughters Debra Drake and husband David of Florida, Jody Gallant and husband Tim of Byron, Michelle Soubble and husband Mike of Rumford, Tammy Belyea of Rhode Island, Samantha Little of Dixfield and daughter-in-law, Joanne Melanson of New Hampshire; his grandchildren, Meg Sweet, Kate Koteles, Dyan Hunt, Daniel Drake, Amanda Pastore, Seth Gallant, Jayme Gallant, Greg Melanson, Joseph Provencher, Peyton Provencher, Alicia Richard, Michael Provencher, Curtis Rolando, Isabella Lindus, Elijah Lindus and Keaghan Little; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Marlow, Sophia, Henry, Anthony Jr., Daisy, Wally, Valentino, Bence, Olin, Jasper and Ruth.

He was predeceased by a son, Gary; his parents; and siblings Leo, Omer, Alcide, George, Albert, Bella, Viola, Ida and Marietta.

Friends and family are invited to go online and share memories with the family at: http://www.meaderandson.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer, (by the river, his favorite place)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s memory to

Andwell Hospice House

236 Stetson Rd.

Auburn, ME 04210