TOPSHAM — Richard Carl Averill, 75, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at his home in Topsham.

He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1937, a son of Donald Alfred and Vivian Mary Elizabeth (Beatty) Averill.

He grew up in Erie County, Pennsylvania and graduated from Edinboro Area School in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Navy 1955 to 1977, making this his career and love. The country boy was stationed on the coast of California and had many tours of duty on aircraft carriers which included the USS Shangri-La, USS Bon Home Richard, USS Constellation and USS Yorktown as a jet engine mechanic. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was stationed in memorable Whidbey Island, Washington. He was a then sent to Quonset Point, Rhode Island and was part of the crew to shut down the base. He was sent to Brunswick Naval Air Station and had a short duty in Italy returning to Brunswick and retiring as an ASC. After retiring from the Navy he worked for Lane Construction as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Richard especially enjoyed camping and boating with his family, whether it was fishing, water skiing, or enjoying the leisure times on the lakes and ocean. He particularly enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, life and having people around. He had a great love of country and western music and particularly enjoyed the tunes from the 1950’s and 1960’s. He will always be remembered for his spirited storytelling and witty jokes.

He is predeceased by his parents; five brothers Donald M. Averill, William R. Averill, Robert A. Averill, Earl R. Averill and James E. Averill; one sister Erdine R. Averill.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Averill; three daughters Debra J. Gibb and her husband David Gibb of Dresden, Darlene V. Bisson of Topsham and Donna Plourde of Florida; six grandchildren Monique J. Pelletier of Lisbon, Dustin A. Bisson of Harpswell, Arthur D. King of Bath, Miranda Plourde of Tennessee, Kyle Plourde of Tennessee and Shannon Plourde of Florida; one great grandchild Selene R. Pelletier of Lisbon; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, June 17, 2013 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at a later date in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to all of the Hospice caregivers at CHANS Home Health Care.