Richard J. Carey

Augusta – Richard J. “Spike” Carey, 84, of Belgrade, died on Friday evening with his family by his side at the Maine Veteran’s Nursing Home in Augusta. He was born in Waterville on January 7, 1929, the oldest son of the late Augustus and Alma (Vashon) Carey. He attended local schools graduating from Waterville High School in 1947. He worked at Forster Manufacturing until he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force serving from 1948 to 1952 as a senior aircraft mechanic. On June 23, 1952 he married Helen Fortin at Notre Dame Church and together they raised their 6 children.

Richard attended the University of Maine at Orono, studying engineering for two and a half years and then went to work for Joseph W. Sewall Company in Old Town as a surveyor. He worked there for several years and then became self-employed as owner/operator of Carey Land Surveys in Waterville.

It was at this time that "Spike" became involved in local politics for the City of Waterville, first serving on the common council and then proceeding from there to serve as Alderman, representing Ward 7 and later Ward 5. He was Waterville's longest serving Mayor having served eight years, from 1970 to 1978. During this time, he also represented the citizens of Waterville in the Maine House of Representatives from 1967 to 1978.

He then served as the Director of the Maine State Lottery from 1978 to 1985 and was called the "father of the Tri-State Megabucks" game.

Soon after moving to Belgrade, Richard served sixteen months as Belgrade's first Town Manager when the town changed their local governing structure in 1989. He also served on the Board of Selectmen until his retirement. During this time, he also served in the Maine State Senate representing Belgrade and surrounding towns from 1990 to 1998.

Richard was a life long communicant at Notre Dame Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He surveyed the site where the current Notre Dame Church sits. He served on the Board of Directors for the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union for many years.

Richard was a life time member of the American Legion as well as an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 148.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen (Fortin) Carey; children Michael Carey and wife Jacqueline of Barre, VT, Gregory Carey of Waterville, Denise (Carey) Ducharme and husband Jack and Martha (Carey) Thibodeau and husband Alan, all of Madison, Peter Carey and wife Bobbie of Virginia; and one brother; Jack Carey and wife Mariette of Portland.

He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; Bradley, Christopher, Elizabeth, Sean, Jennifer, Denise, Joseph, Benjamin, Jennifer, Joshua, Cecile, Charlotte, Jessica, Anna and Scarlet, 14 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Richard was predeceased by a beloved son Stephen in 1995, as well as his daughter-in-law Susan in 2012.

In Richard’s memory, donations may be made to the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 22 from 1:00-3:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the Veilleux Funeral Home in Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 am at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Waterville on Tuesday, July 23rd. Services are under the care and direction of the Veilleux Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME 04901 www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com 207-872-7676