Richard J. Diddy Ranaghan, Sr

PORTLAND - Richard J. Diddy Ranaghan, Sr., 94, died at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. He had been a resident of the facility since June, 2007. Richard was born in Portland on September 8, 1918, the oldest child of Charles and Margaret (Costello) Ranaghan. He was a proud graduate of Cheverus High School, Class of '37. Richard was a stand-out baseball player, both in high school and in the semi-pro league. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a Portland Police Officer with his appointment to the department in September of 1941. In May of 1942, Richard entered the Army and served in the European Theatre for close to three and half years. He received five Battle Stars for the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge campaigns. After his military service, Richard then rejoined the Police Department in 1945 and retired in June of 1973 with the rank of Sergeant. After retiring from the PPD, Diddy worked for the Maine State Liquor Commission for ten years. A true fan of high school sports and New England sports, Richard enjoyed the Red Sox, the Celtics and the Patriots. Another passion of his was horseracing. Diddy also very much enjoyed his winter trips to Florida with his close friend, Jimmy Vasile. Along with his fondness for Cheverus, Richard had an affinity for the city of Portland. He was a communicant of Saint Patrick's Church and a member of the Andrews Post American Legion, the Elks Club, the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association, the Portland Police Benevolent Association and a Charter Member of the Maine Association of Retirees. Richard is survived by his wife, Helen (Quinn) Ranaghan, his son, Richard J. Ranaghan, Jr. and his partner, Joy O'Brien of Portland; a daughter, Margaret Hoyt and son-in-law, Gary, of Scarborough. His grandchildren include James and Matthew Ranaghan and John, Elizabeth and Sarah Catherine Hoyt. Other survivors include his sister, Catherine Monn, his brother, Edward P. Ranaghan, both of Portland and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas H. Ranaghan, Sr. in 2011. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Sedgewood Commons for the exceptional care and compassion extended to Richard. We are forever grateful. Visiting hours will be 4 - 6 pm on Thursday, October 25th at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street in Portland. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Friday, October 26th, at 9:15 am followed by a 10 am Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland. Burial will follow in Old Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U S Route 1, Suite 2C , Scarborough, ME. 04074.Online condolences may be expressed below.