Irving Estes Dickey Jr.

Irving “Bud” Estes Dickey Jr., 88, after a brave fight with cancer, passed away peacefully at home in Portland, Maine on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Bud was born on January 18, 1937 in Dorchester, Massachusetts to Charlotte and Irving E. Dickey. He enjoyed his boyhood in Burlington & Woburn, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Burlington High School.

Inspired by his life-long-love of fishing and hunting, Bud carried out his dream of working outdoors, earning his associates degree in forestry from Essex Agricultural and Technical School. He worked his way as a landscaper and tree climber for a small outfit to ultimately become tree warden for the town of Reading, Massachusett for over 35 years. Bud was adored by the townspeople who sought out his advice and counsel on all aspects of tree husbandry. He spent countless nights in town meetings championing for the protection of Reading’s plentiful shade trees and shrubs, and the preservation of the town forest. Through Bud’s visionary stewardship, Reading earned the national “Tree City USA” designation, which recently celebrated its 40th year in April 2025 (Reading Celebrates 40 Years as Tree City USA with Planting for the Future).

On May 28, 1966, Bud married Mildred (Millie) Hanson of Somerville, Massachusetts. Together, they raised two children, Douglas & Elaine. As a family they spent many vacations camping, boating, and fishing along the shores of Cape Cod and the lakes of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Buddy enjoyed scouting trips with his son such as canoeing the Allagash and sailing on a windjammer off the coast of Maine. After Bud retired, he and Millie lived the dream: spending their summers at their hard-earned camp on Lily Bay, Moosehead Lake, Maine and wintering at their home in Clearwater, Florida. They also enjoyed multiple cruises in the Caribbean and Bud’s favorite of all, exploring and fishing in Alaska.

Bud proudly served us all in the Army Reserves during the 1950s and 60s. He then served his local communities as a Master Mason & Shriner, and a life-long member of the Elks. Most of all, Bud was dedicated to his Lord, Jesus Christ, a proud congregant of the Methodist Church. During winters in Florida, he loved to get together with his friends for weekly pool, cribbage, and games of golf.

Bud had musical talent! He picked up the harmonica at eight years old and later in life became a harmonica player for the Melody of Life, a Gulfport, Florida Senior Citizens Harmonica Club, gathering for weekly rehearsals and performing at area senior citizen centers (Bringing Seniors Together Through Music). He taught himself how to fingerpick and play guitar, developing his own style and sounds inspired by the Carter Family and early American Gospel. He was a history buff and read as many books about the Civil War and World War II as he could get his hands on.

Bud is predeceased by his wife, Millie Dickey, mother Charlotte Aversa, step-father, Sal Aversa, and father Irving E. Dickey. He is survived by his son, Doug Dickey, daughter-in-law Marizol, their children Luke, Dehliza, and Jose Luis, and his daughter Elaine Dickey Colella and son-in-law Rick. He is also survived by his brother Fred Dickey and sister-in-law Bonnie.

A small gathering of family and close friends will commemorate the wonderful lives of both Bud and Millie at the Greenville, Maine cemetery in the coming months.