He was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts on Dec. 25, 1926, a son of Winslow and Frances (McMorrow) Burr.
Richard graduated from Norwood High School, Class of 1945. After high school, he played Legion Baseball and later went into the service in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.
Musically gifted, Richard was proficient with all instruments, but most noted for the trumpet. Jazz was in his soul, he was asked to play with Tommy Dorsey, but he and his wife chose to return to Maine with their son and this began his long and joyful teaching career. He was the music director for Patten Sherman School for 14 years and later spent 21 years directing the music department of Biddeford High School.
Richard was an accomplished artist. His paintings were entered into many art shows and sold at local art galleries. Some special friends and family were given these treasured gifts which were painted from a special place that touched Richard’s heart. Another of Richard’s passions was playing music. He also composed, sang and played many instruments.
Most of all, Richard loved his family. His family came first and he will be remembered as a faithful, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Aileen (Armstrong) Burr on Sept. 7, 2002.
He is survived by his son Geoffrey Burr and his wife Tracy of Saco and five grandchildren Amanda Collins and her husband James, Joshua Farris and his wife Rachel, Nicholas Farris and his wife Ashley, Olivia Burr and Geoffrey Richard Burr. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren Khloe and Owen, two brothers Robert Burr of New York and John Burr of Springvale and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco. Burial will be at a later date in Island Falls Cemetery in Island Falls, Maine.
To view Richard’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name to Biddeford High School Music Department, 20 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, Maine 04005
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