Richard Norman Onofrio

Richard N. Onofrio, 89, a resident of Norway, ME, passed away on December 3, 2025 at Andwell Hospice House in Auburn, ME in the caring arms of his son Michael R. Onofrio and daughter Sherry L. Grant. His courage and grace left them feeling proud and honored to call him Dad.

Richard was born on January 10, 1936 in Bethel, ME to Angelo and Dorothy Baker Onofrio.

He graduated from Gould Academy and earned degrees from Boston University and Gorham State Teacher’s College. He was a member of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corp. (ROTC) in college but chose to pursue a 31 year career as an educator and assistant principal at Oxford Hills Middle School. Richard thrived as a teacher of English, Writing and History and was also a skilled tennis instructor to his students.

While attending Gould Academy, Richard met his wife Mary Louise (MaryLou) Cullinan of Norway, ME at a town dance. She would continue to stand by and support Richard as the love of his life for 69 years until her passing in December, 2023.

After retiring at age 55, Richard spent summers planning excursions along the Appalachian Trail. He passed on his love of hiking to his wife and three children by taking them camping at Baxter State Park every summer for over 30 years. As a section hiker, Richard trekked the Pacific Crest Trail in CA, the Continental Divide Trail in the Rocky Mountains, the Long Trail in VT, the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Mahoosuc Range Trail. His unending passion for the great outdoors brought him to Nepal in the Himalayas, Europe, Alaska, Canada and Hawaii. Richard made many a friend along the trails and he became known as Peevie, his hiking nickname.

In later years, Richard spent winter months with MaryLou in Melbourne, FL and returned to their home on Lake Pennesseewassee every summer to enjoy boating, hiking and golfing. As a member of Norway Country Club, he continued to hone his golf skills, build his own clubs and passed the art of the game to his grandkids. Friends and family members will remember Richard as a gentle, honest and hard working man with the patience of a Saint.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Angelo and Dorothy Onofrio, his wife MaryLou, his youngest son David and his sister Beverly. He is survived by his son Michael Onofrio and wife Celeste, his daughter Sherry Grant, four grandchildren; Nicholas and Caitlin Grant, Justin and Tanesha Onofrio and five great grandchildren; Levi and Myra Onofrio, Roman and Sean Pottle and Jackson Grant.

A Private Graveside Ceremony will be planned next Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) by emailing [email protected].

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group | 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240 | (207) 784-4023