AUBURN — Joseph R. Richard, 98, formerly of 216 Grove St., Lewiston, died Tuesday, April 3, at the Clover Manor, where he had been a resident for the past two years.

He was born in Lewiston, July 23, 1913, the son of Joseph and Eva Demers Richard Sr. Educated locally, he married the former Alphena E. Bernier on June 29, 1936, in Holy Family Church.

He worked his whole life as an excavating contractor and was still plowing his own driveway with his homemade tractor at the age of 96. A skilled mechanic and machinist, he built his own tractors and excavating equipment.

A member of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish, he was a former member of the Musical Literary Club and loved dancing with his wife. He also enjoyed the game of pool, boxing, and the countless hours he spent maintaing his beloved pond.

Survivors include his wife, Alphena of Auburn; two sons, Roger and wife, Claire, of Harpswell and Paul and wife, Vivian, of Lewiston; six grandchildren, Dr. Mark Richard, Jeanne and husband, David Gray, Judith Richard, Lisa Richard, Dina and husband, Lauriston Jackson and Danielle Richard; and three great-grandchildren, Mikayla Jackson, and Wendy and Keith Gray.

He was predeceased by a brother, William; and three sisters, Anna Pinard, Yvonne Moody and Valeda Masse.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff of Clover Manor Unit A, Dr. Brown, Dr. Oswald, and the nurses and CNAs at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Condolences, donations and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.