Richard "Dick" Greenleaf Obituary (1925 - 2014)

Richard “Dick” Miles Greenleaf, Sr., 89, passed away on Saturday, Sep 13, 2014, at Maine General Medical Center following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born in Gardiner on August 20, 1925, the son of Ellie J. and Florence (Pottle) Greenleaf. He was drafted into the United States Army, during his senior year of high school, in 1943. He proudly served our country from 1943-1946, at which time he was honorably discharged and returned home. On January 4, 1947 he married Zerilla (Dill) Greenleaf. Dick was a Supervisor/Foreman in the shoe manufacturing industry for 41 years. After retirement, he and his wife remained active in the antique business going to Montsweag Flea market where they made many friends. Dick was also very active in the community. He was past president of the Gardiner Little League Association, The Kennebec Valley Beagle Club and a Lifetime Member and President of the Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club. In addition, he was a Fifty year member of the American Legion Post 4. Some of Dick’s favorite moments were spent taking his “boys” hunting and fishing and playing a game of pepper. Dick was especially proud of the 13 years he spent coaching baseball, leading the Gardiner Smith-Wiley American Legion baseball team to the New England championships in 1969. In 1969, he started building their second home, a family camp, in The Forks, Maine. Aside from his family, “Camp” was the greatest love of his life, where four generations now enjoy spending time. It can be said that there aren’t many friends, over the course of 45 years, that haven’t been to camp. Dick is predeceased by his parents, Ellie J. and Florence (Pottle), his four brothers: Linwood, Victor, Walter and Robert and a grandson Ryan Pelton. Dick is survived by his wife of 67 years, Zerilla (Dill) Greenleaf, two sons, Dennis M. Greenleaf and his wife Kim, of West Gardiner and Richard M. Greenleaf, Jr. of West Gardiner. Six grandchildren, Michele (Rick) Crawford of Topsham, Russell (Paula) Greenleaf of Gardiner, Heather (Mike) Dunn of Gardiner, Kathie (Eric) Jermyn of Gardiner, Miles (Heather) Greenleaf of West Gardiner and Brittnee Greenleaf of Brunswick. Eleven great- grandchildren, Chelsea, Mike, Lee-Anne, Lindsey, Lauren, Abby, Brian, Peri, Sam, Grayson and Hudson. He is also survived by two special women, whom he loved dearly, Patricia Greenleaf and Connie Greenleaf, both of Gardiner, his lifelong friend, James “Mickey” Toman, of California and Maine and his best buddy, his weimaraner Lilly, who will miss him dearly. Aa Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s church in Gardiner, at 10am on Thursday, September 18, followed by burial with military honors at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Ave, Augusta at 12pm. At the request of the family, there will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Gardiner Food Bank (Chrysalis Place) or the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff at Maine General Medical Center, 1 West and to Dr. Fein for the amazing care they gave Dick and his entire family. Mass of Christian Burial 09/18/2014 10:00 Popham Beach Phippsburg Maine 4562