BIDDEFORD — Richard Frederick Nadeau, Sr., 82, of Biddeford, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Dick was born in Biddeford on May 27, 1941, the only son of Albert and Ruth (Skillings) Nadeau. The house where he was born, which had been in the Nadeau family since the early 1900’s, was the very same house that his father was born in. He was educated in the Biddeford school system and graduated from St. Louis High School, class of 1959.
In his younger years Dick was an avid skater, and spent many afternoons skating at Westbrook Skating Rink. It was there that he met the love of his life, Priscille Auger. The couple married on September 3, 1960 at St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford.
Dick was from the generation of hard work and did everything he could to support his young family. He started his working career in construction, and would take on side jobs of cabinet making or drywall to bring in extra income. In 1976, Dick started his own business called Richard F. Nadeau and Son Inc., specializing in steel erection and crane services. In 1980, he added a roofing division where he, along with his son Richard Jr., put roofs on several area commercial buildings. Dick was involved with many notable community projects such as the placement of the Press Booth at Waterhouse Field, the lowering of concrete slabs at Laurel Hill Cemetery for the construction of their mausoleums, erecting and disassembling rides at Funtown Amusement Park, helping to decorate the downtown streets of Biddeford with Christmas lights, and volunteering at the La Kermesse Festival each summer. He retired in 2002, and passed the family business on to his son where his legacy of integrity and hard work continues on.
Dick had many interesting hobbies and passions, with antique cars sitting high at the top of his list. His pride and joy was his black 1946 Chevy convertible. He and Priscille spent many wonderful weekends attending cars shows throughout the U.S. and in Canada. He also enjoyed riding snowmobiles, spending time at their lake house on Embden Pond, and decorating his home on Pool Street with beautiful Christmas lights.
Most of all, he loved the time he spent with his family and friends, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and will always be remembered for faithfully attending their games, recitals, and activities. He will be sadly missed by many.
Dick was a faithful communicant of Most Holy Trinity Church, in the Good Shepherd Parish, Saco.
He was predeceased by two sisters Rachel Young, and Joan Beaulieu, and by son-in-law Peter Chretien.
He is survived by his wife Priscille Nadeau of 63 years, his son Richard Nadeau Jr. and wife Kim, his daughter Diane Chretien and partner Ed O’Connell; his four grandchildren, Jenee (JJ) Pelletier and husband Brad, Jenalee Rice and husband Spencer, Keith Nadeau and husband Zach Hardy, and Cody Chretien; and by his four great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kinley, Rylee, and Harper. He is also survived by his sister Clair Cote and husband Roger, and by sister Lorraine Gonneville and husband Reynald, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be from 9:00am to 10:30am on Monday, September 11, 2023, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. After, a luncheon will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, located below St. Joseph Church, 178 Elm St., Biddeford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name to St. James School, 25 Graham St., Biddeford, ME 04005.
To view his memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
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