Richard Burke Sr. ... longtime Acton Fair director; at 92

LEBANON, Maine - Richard W. Burke Sr. (Dick) died Aug. 20, 2022, In Lebanon, with family by his side.

Born in Dover, N.H., on July 25, 1930, to Helen Moran and William Burke, Dick is survived by his wife of 71 years, June Burke along with 2 sons, 2 daughters and their spouses; Richard Burke Jr. and wife Ellen from Lebanon, Michael Burke and wife Chris from Lebanon, Laura Bragg and husband Tony from Lebanon, Kelley Goodfield and husband Wayne from West Newfield. He has 9 adoring grandchildren, Carl Gregoire III and wife Carmen from Lebanon, Stephanie Hagenbuch and husband Rick from Lebanon, Patrick Burke and wife Keelan from Buxton, Crystal Constant and husband Mark from Limington, Jeffrey Goodfield and wife Peggy from New Jersey, Travis Bragg and wife Eriel from Acton, Brett Burke from North Carolina, Devin Burke from Lebanon, and Shaylee Burke from Lebanon. 13 Great Grandchildren; Cody Parker and wife Brooklyn, Carl Gregoire IV, Calvin Gregoire, Richard Hagenbuch IV, Kelledy Burke, Arley Burke, Isabelle Constant, Levi Constant, Kali Goodfield, Jazzy Goodfield, Damien Taylor, Eivin Bragg, Kolton Bragg and one great great grandchild, Maeve Parker.

Dick lived in Lebanon for over 65 years and was very involved in his town. He was Past President of Lebanon PTA, Past President of the Quarterback Club, Past Chairman of Lebanon Democrats, Past Chairman of the Lebanon Festival Committee, and a Lebanon baseball coach. In addition to his town activities, Dick was very involved in the National and State Grange as well as Lebanon Grange but his true passion was being a director at the Acton Fair for over 60 years. He could often be found riding around the fairgrounds in his famed "buggy" making sure things were running smoothly. He shared this passion with his children and grandchildren who could often be found working the gate, parking cars and taking care of camping. Two of his children, Ricky and Laura, are still very involved.

Dick was a very hard worker, working over 45 years at Spaulding Fiber and spending countless hours in the hayfield with his children and grandsons. Dick was proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and along with his wife June, enjoyed attending all of their sporting events, concerts, and other activities. He was their biggest supporter.

Dick left a lasting impression on everyone that he met. But most importantly his family will miss his many stories, his signature "grandpa shuffle" and "grandpa wink," his words of encouragement, wisdom and never ending love and support.