Richard Giroux

It is with profound sadness that we, his family, announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Louis Giroux, 76, on May 17, 2024. He passed peacefully after a hard-fought battle with Vascular Parkinson’s Disease, surrounded by his loving family and his earthly angels, Melinda, Matilda, Luanne, and Kobe.

Dick was born in Lewiston, Maine on August 12, 1947, the son of Alban Giroux and Rita (Martin) Giroux. He attended schools in Lewiston where he graduated from Lewiston High School, Class of 1966. He proudly played basketball as number 30 for the Lewiston Blue Devils under coach Fern Massey and was honorably inducted into the Lewiston-Auburn Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He continued his education at Husson College where he also played basketball as number 30 for the Husson Braves under Coach Delmont Merrill and Coach Bruce MacGregor. Dick was inducted into the Husson College Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. He continued playing and coaching “his game” for many more years before being inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame on August 20, 2017.

Dick pledged Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity in 1968 and became a very loyal brother. He enjoyed fellowship, service and fun with his brothers and made many lifelong friendships. During his first year at Husson, Dick met the love of his life, Jane Davis. He graduated on May 30, 1970, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. One month later, Dick and Jane were married on June 30. They celebrated nearly 54 years of marriage. Twelve days after they were married, Dick joined the United States Army Reserves and traveled to Fort Polk, Louisiana for five months of basic training. Upon his return to Bangor, he continued to proudly serve his country with honor and distinction for 31 years.

His professional career began in 1971 at United Outdoor Advertising, Inc. where he worked until billboards were outlawed in the state of Maine in 1978. He then worked for Training and Development Corp. as Director of Residential and Recreational Life and eventually at Penobscot Job Corps Center where he became Center Director. In 1985, he changed careers and began working for New England Surfaces, Inc. where he sold interior building products and designed kitchens for 21 years. His final job was at Eastern Region Associates selling kitchen and bath products until he was forced to retired in 2013 due to health issues.

Dick was a man of many passions. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed his role of being a father. Dick and Jane created a lifetime of memories together raising their children and sharing many happy years of parenting. As a proud and loving father, he provided support and guidance to his daughter Nicole and son Brian by teaching them the value and importance of hard work and integrity. To his three granddaughters, Pepe was a role model whom his grandchildren aspired to be. He provided each of his grandchildren with never ending love and wisdom. He loved watching each of them grow and succeed, while always providing encouragement and support in whatever endeavors they strived to accomplish.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jane and beloved dog, Gracie; daughter, Nicole Lagasse and husband, Michael; son Brian, and wife, Kim; granddaughters, Brooke, Morgan, and Molly; sister, Sue Knapp and husband, Jerry; brother, Dan and partner, Jane; mother-in-law, Barbara Davis; brother-in-law, Tom Davis and wife, Janice; sister-in-law, Ann Look and husband, Tim; aunts, Mamie and Fern; uncle, Hoyt; many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many dear friends.

The family would like to thank Ross Manor, Gentiva Hospice, as well as the personal caregivers for the loving care they provided during his final days.

Although Dick may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of love, service and devotion will be cherished forever.

“May the spirit never die.”