Richard “Dick” S. Libby

PORTLAND – Richard “Dick” S. Libby, 79, left this world peacefully on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at his home in The Villages, Fla. from congestive heart failure.

His story began on June 24, 1943 in Portland, the son of the late, Louville and Rita (Stanley) Libby. He was the younger brother of Ronnie and the older brother to Denny, Larry, Donna and Wayne. Dick graduated from Portland High School where he played football.

After graduation he joined the United States Navy in 1961 and spent his time on a Polaris nuclear submarine where he claimed they ate better than any other branch of the service. He was always proud of having served his country and one of his favorite songs was “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. He would always stand at attention and salute the U.S. flag whenever it played. Upon returning from active duty he continued serving his community by joining the Portland Fire Department in 1968 and retiring in 1998 after 30 years of public service.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Judy (Morse) Libby, Dick left Maine to enjoy the warm Florida climate and active lifestyle in The Villages. It was at the encouragement of his brother, Denny, that he buy a house and it was here he met Linda Lachey whom he chose to share the last 12 years of his life. Together they formed so many new friendships, joined clubs, and met so many new friends that eventually became like family.

Some of his favorite activities included cruising in his “baby”, his red Corvette convertible with the top down and singing along with the Beach Boys. Dick loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting and fishing with his cousin, Delbert Joy, his nephew, Bob Morse and his best friend from Kindergarten, Bobby Berry.

He was a sports fanatic. He played softball for the PFD in his younger years. He was a Patriots fan until Tom Brady traded to Tampa Bay, and a Browns fan because Linda is from Ohio. He followed the Red Sox and the Celtics and would watch basketball and golf in the off seasons. He looked forward to his annual beach trips to Treasure Island in June to celebrate his birthday and October to share Linda’s. The Sanding Ovations, sand sculpting exhibition was also a favorite event.

Truth be told, Dick was somewhat of a legend in Portland and a very charming man with a smile and a humorous story to share mostly involving his years in the PFD. He will be remembered for his large presence, his firm handshake, and years of working out and lifting weights in the gyms of Maine and Florida. He was a man of his word with a big heart that was filled with love for his family and friends. He will be missed.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the exceptional staff of Compassionate Care Hospice and especially recognize Dick’s nurse, Kate Bulick for her excellent care during his seven-month hospice journey and his caring aid, Rona Randolph.

Dick was predeceased by his loving wife, Judith Libby in 2003; three brothers, Wayne, Denny and Ronnie.

He is survived by his fiancée, Linda Lachey of Florida; his children, Richard S. (Heidi) Libby II of Saco, Tracey (Mike) Lizotte of Saco and Michael Libby of Portland; 10 grandchildren, Luke, Andrew, Olivia, and Wyatt Libby of Saco, Megan and Evan Russell, Jillian, Emma, Abby, and Lydia Lizotte all of Saco, all of whom he was very proud and enjoyed sharing stories of their accomplishments. He is also survived by a brother, Larry Libby of Portland, a sister, Donna (John) Butts of Scarborough; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service celebrating Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 380 Stroudwater St., Westbrook. To view Dick’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Those who wish may make contributions in Dick’s memory to:

Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation

380 Congress St.

Portland, ME 04101