CAPE ELIZABETH – We are saddened to announce that Richard Irving Luce Sr., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at 85 years old. He was born at home on Dec. 1, 1936 in Oakland, ME and was the seventh child of Clyde Sr. and Olivia Hart Luce.

Richard grew up in Oakland, ME and attended Williams High School where he met his love and forever wife Gloria Ann Loucks in 1954. In high school he was a stellar football player. He earned the nickname "crazy legs" for his speed, tenacity and endurance. Gloria, always by his side, was his bright and shining high school cheerleader. They married on his birthday, Dec. 1, 1956 at the United Baptist Church in Oakland, ME.

Richard and Gloria resided in Oakland, ME while Richard worked for First National. Shortly after this, Richard was hired by the Maine Central Railroad in Waterville, ME. In 1958, he transferred to the Maine Central Railroad in Portland, ME where he worked until he retired. He often reminisced about the railroad and most of his conversations eventually lead back to his railroad stories, or his wife and true love. Dad was no stranger to hard work. Early on, with four young children at home, he worked after hours driving trucks for Congdon Transportation, taking bids at Scarborough Downs and selling suits for Jordan Marsh.

Richard and Gloria found their permanent home in 1962 in Cape Elizabeth where they raised their family. He and Gloria had four children by the names of Richard Irving Luce Jr. and his wife Linda, Robert Ivan Luce and his wife Diane, Priscilla Luce Schuyler, and William Clarence Luce and his wife Judy.  They have seven grandchildren, Ryan Luce, Sage Milton, Corey Luce, Olivia Donaldson, Emily Ellwood, Sydney Donohue and Kelsey Donohue and four great grandchildren, Silas Donohue, Schuyler Donaldson, Matthew Donaldson Jr. and Audrey Luce.

Richard is survived by everyone listed above, as well as his loving wife Gloria of 65 years, his sisters Doris and Mary, and his brother Floyd.

He was predeceased by his sister Priscilla, his parents Clyde Sr. and Olivia, his brothers Clarence, Donald, Clyde Jr. and son-in-law Stephen.

His passion was his family. Watching his grandchildren play sports was one of his favorite past times. He loved football, golfing, fishing, camping and playing cards with friends. He bowled with the railroad league. While working, or even horsing around, you would often hear him singing his favorite lyrics from the oldies with a childlike and honest grin. He had an adoration for life. He hardly missed an opportunity to let people know he loved life and his wife, and ended his sentences with, "And I want to keep it that way."

He was always willing and wanting to help others. He could fix almost anything, and whenever a loved one needed help he was always available. Mom would often tell us he earned his wings a long time ago and those who knew him well, can attest to that.

His beautiful smile, laughter, humor and kindness will live on in our hearts and thoughts forever.  We are proud to call him our father, our best friend and husband. Thank you, Dad. Thank you for being you, for keeping us safe and secure, for teaching us right from wrong, showing us endless amounts of love and support, and lastly for bringing joy into our lives every day. We LOVE you Dad and miss you deeply - xxx