Dr. Richard “Dick” C. Dillihunt

PORTLAND – Dr. Richard “Dick” C. Dillihunt, of Portland, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the age of 88.

He was born in Hartford, Conn. in 1935, son of Charles and Mildred Dillihunt. He grew up in Winthrop and took immense pride working tirelessly at the pizzeria his parents operated, The OXBOW. He graduated pre-med from Tufts University in 1956 and continued on to University of Vermont Medical School where he graduated in 1960, earning the Roche Award, given to the student whose compassion and appreciation of patients’ needs promise distinguished service in the care of the sick. During his time in Burlington, Vt. he met the love of his life, Jeannette Mimeault, a nurse at the DeGoesbriand Hospital.

Following his proud service as a captain in the U.S. Army in Missouri he landed his dream job as a surgical resident in Portland, which led to a 40-year career at the Maine Medical Center. His passion and dedication led to many contributions in the area of vascular surgery including performing the first kidney transplant in Maine in 1971 and his training of countless medical residents. His legacy beyond that is hallmarked by the compassion he showed towards his patients and his appreciation of his office staff and colleagues at Maine Surgical Care. A prolific writer, he penned numerous thought pieces on Universal Health Care and was a staunch advocate for affordable access to medical care for all.

Together with his wife, Jeannette, he raised six children who, in turn, expanded the family with 29 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dick was a lover of all things Maine and he and Jeannette created a home in Portland that was a favorite destination for family where his children and grandchildren have a constant presence. Here he shared his passions for cooking and horticulture and was often found in the backyard tending to his flowers, the swimming pool and hosting big barbecues. He was an avid sports fan, especially the teams of all his children and grandchildren, never missing their games.

He was predeceased by his brother, Charles “Bud” Dillihunt, a fellow outdoorsmen and founding member of the Turner Pond Club in Jackman. It was there that he shared his passion with many for the natural wonders of the Maine woods including countless trips to Turner Pond where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending to the cabins and preparing feasts for his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannette of 62 years; his children Barbara, Nancy, Joan, Bill, Eileen and Catherine and their loving spouses; and his 29 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home,172 State St., Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 16, at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. To view Dick’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to:

St. Brigid School,

695 Stevens Ave.,

Portland, ME 04103