Richard Elias

Richard Alan Elias passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2024. Rick was born in Bangor on September 10, 1956 to Louis J. Elias and Elizabeth A. (Cowing) Elias. In high school Rick was in the Peg Bennett Dancers in Bangor. They did demonstration dances throughout the area including a show at The Big E. He attended the University of Maine for two years and changed his career to hairstyling directly afterwards. He worked for a short time at JC Penney Hair Salon and became a demonstrator for Paul Mitchell for several years until starting his own salon. He was quickly known as one of the Premier Salons in the Portland area.

Rick made his home in the Portland area for several decades and met Jeff Ward in 2002. They soon became very good friends and decided to make a life together. They bought a home in South Portland which for several years was a place of excellent food, great music and lots of friends and laughter. They were officially married on January 26th, 2013.

Rick is predeceased by his parents, Louis and Betty; brother, John Elias; his sister, Jackie Doll. He is survived by his spouse Jeff Ward; his nephew, Shawn Doll; niece, Joy Elias Cassidy; and nephew, Dr. John Elias. He is also survived by his grand-niece, Arria Doll; and his two grand-nephews, Roman Cassidy and Tucker Cassidy; step grand nieces and nephews, Steven, Brandon, Garrett and Lily; Tom Giroux, Steve Winkler and Erik Payne were his longest and best friends. Most importantly he was survived by his loving faithful companion, Margeaux.

Rick loved collecting antiques and in particular cut glass and stemware. He was a consummate gardener and his dahlia’s were legendary. Rick and Jeff traveled extensively. Trips to England, Spain and Mexico were some of the most memorable, but they truly enjoyed visiting New York City. After covid hit, the trips were put on hold, and it was quite painful for both of them. Rick loved cooking and in particular from his Lebanese heritage.
Rick and Jeff lived in South Portland for 15 years and moved to Bangor in 2021.

Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments from 12-2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Private Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor, immediately following the service. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Gifts in Ricks memory may be made to The Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mount Hope Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401