Greenville - Richard A. “Dick” Gould, of Greenville passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 91. A lifelong public servant, educator, veteran, and advocate for small communities, Dick lived a life rooted in service, humility, and deep love for Greenville and the Moosehead Region. Born in Madison on January 20, 1934, Dick was the son of the late Melville S. and Helen (Sage) Gould. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1952 and married Edith Mae Rowe on January 23, 1953. Together, they raised five children and built a home filled with warmth, resilience, and purpose.

Dick served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, flying with test crews on B-29s and B-50s. After returning home, he earned his degree in education from Farmington State Teachers College and began a long career teaching history and government. He taught first in Madison, then in Monson, where he served as teacher and principal, before returning to Greenville in the early sixties. Dick taught at Greenville High School until retiring in 1981. He spent the last six years of his teaching career as director of vocational education in Greenville and Jackman. During his years teaching in Greenville and Monson, Dick coached several sports, including football, basketball, and softball.

Not one to sit around after retiring from teaching, Dick began new careers first as a woodsman and then as a state legislator, where he continued his efforts to help people and to protect the environment.

His public service spanned decades, including serving as a Greenville Selectboard Member and Chair (1974–1996), Maine State Representative (1986–1996), including Chair of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources, Greenville Code Enforcement Officer (1998–2008), Greenville Economic Development Council (2006-2012), Greenville School Board Member and Chair (2000–2011), Executive Director of the Maine Small Schools Coalition, Appointee to the State Board of Environmental Protection, and Board Director of the Moosehead Historical Society.

In 1989, Dick survived a serious injury in the woods that left him temporarily paralyzed and affected his health for the rest of his life. He returned to public service with the same determination he brought to everything he did, carrying forward a more profound empathy for others facing hardships and a renewed commitment to the work he believed in. Dick believed in listening, learning, and working together to protect the quality of life in Greenville and beyond.

Dick found joy in working on the small farm he and Edith started. He loved growing flowers and veggies and dotted the homestead with gardens big and small. His dogs held a special spot in his heart, providing lifelong joy and companionship. In retirement, Dick developed a passion for genealogy, spending many hours creating extensive family trees.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Edith (Rowe) Gould; four children, Debbie Jo Gould, Lonnie Gould and his partner, Sophia, Bonnie Campbell and her husband, Scott, and Scott Gould and his partner, Patricia; son-in-law, Peter Noyes; seven grandchildren, Laura and her husband, Steve, Brian and his wife, Sarah, Daniel and his wife, Doris, Camden and his wife, Miranda, Kendra and her husband, Austin, Joshua and his wife, Brittany, and Darla and her husband, Cory; fifteen great-grandchildren, Anna, Kevin, Owen, David, Dylan, Wyatt, Adeline, Jonah, Isaac, Asa, Ethyn, Steven, Addyson, Kalem and Hadlee; two great-great-grandchildren; Carson and Madelyn; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Cindy Noyes; two brothers, James Gould and Melville Gould II; and three sisters, Frances Richards, Ruth Hibbard, and Marie Moresette.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and deep commitment to the place he called home.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the family lot in the Greenville Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s memory to The Moosehead Historical Society, P.O. Box 1116, Greenville, ME 04441. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.