Richards, Sterling R., 76, Caribou, in Caribou, May 29, 2009. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU – Sterling R. Richards, 76, beloved husband of Dolores (Belanger) Richards, died unexpectedly May 29, 2009 at Caribou surrounded by his loving family. He was born at Caribou, March 16, 1933, the son of Oscar Ray and Mattie (Davenport) Richards. Sterling was a graduate of the Caribou High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was an active member of the Caribou Lions Club. Sterling married Dolores Belanger on July 19, 1952. His love in life was farming and his family. He also enjoyed grilling rare steaks, cooking lobster, making bean-hole beans, and working in his garden. Sterling and Dolores’ love of county music led them to build Spruce Haven in 1983. For fifteen years it served as a gathering place for family functions and charitable events. Their annual outdoor music festival drew people from all over Aroostook County and beyond.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are four sons, Craig and life long companion Lynne Del Muffler of Caribou, Sterling Kim and his wife Sue of Caribou, Curtis and his wife Michelle of Caribou, Randy and his wife Sue of Presque Isle; two daughters Laurie and her husband Jim Cavagnaro of Caribou and Pam and her husband Toby Tyler of Oakland; two brothers Ray Richards and his wife Marjorie of Delaware and Gary Richards and his wife Mary Etta of Presque Isle; three sisters Val Constantine and her husband Walter of Bangor, Roberta Shaw of North Carolina and Beverly Stadler and her husband David of Reno Nevada; thirteen grandchildren, Taunja Jandreau, Jenny Curtis, Keith Richards, Ashley and Ciara Richards, Ryan, Renee and Chad Cavagnaro, Travis and Chelsea Tyler, Evan, Kayla and Cole Richards; seven great grandchildren, Lacey and Dawson Jandreau, Bailey and Bryce Curtis, Carsen Richards, Riley and Reece Cavagnaro. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers Curtis and Hubert.
Friends and family attended graveside services, 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou. A reception followed at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the Washburn Rd. in Caribou. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to contribute in memory of Sterling may do so through the Jefferson Cary Foundation, 163 Van Buren Rd, Caribou, ME or to the FFA Farmstand Program, Caribou Regional Technical Center, 308 Sweden St. Caribou, ME, attn. Ralph Conroy. Sterling will be sadly missed by his friends, including his coffee buddies at McDonalds. Arrangements are by the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou. For online registry please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
