Richard Bronder

Richard J. "Banky" Bronder, 71, of Sanford, died unexpectedly on September 30 at the Goodall Hospital in Sanford with his family at his side.He was born in Williston, ND on February 6, 1937, a son of Peter J. and Delima (Brunelle) Bronder, attended Williston schools and was a graduate of Williston High School.He served with the US Navy from 1956 to 1960. After his discharge from the navy, he married Mary E. "Maureen" Powers with whom he shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised their five children, which gave him a great sense of pride.For most of his life, he owned and operated Richard Bronder & Son Inc, with his son Richard Jr. by his side. Banky took great pride in his craftsmanship, and took complete interest in his projects from the footings to the chimneys. One of his projects in which he took special pride was Springvale Commons. He looked at his buildings as an extension of himself, not merely jobs.Although never one to boast, he was a most generous man who helped others in times of need, often with no expectation of payment. He might just stop and help someone move some snow, or might perform a renovation project for someone in need. He was always there to help. He was a doer, not a talker.Banky was an avid hunter and fisherman and took great pride in the fact that his son and grandchildren inherited his love of these pursuits. He was very proud of all of his grandchildren and always looked forward to family gatherings. He loved to greet them with a big bear hug. He was also blessed with many caring loyal friends. He also loved to travel and recently took a dream trip with his wife, driving across the continent to Alaska and then to North Dakota for a family reunion.He was a communicant of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish and a member of the Sanford Elks Lodge.He was predeceased by his daughter, Katie Bronder in 1984.Survivors include his wife Maureen Bronder of Sanford, a son, Richard J. Bronder, Jr., his wife Terri and their children Christie, Lauren and Peter of No. Berwick, 3 daughters, Kerry Ames and her children Erinn, Billy and Jonathan of Sanford, Kristen Plante, her husband David and their children Colby, Morgan, Matthew, Jeremy and Briana of Sanford, Kim Small, her husband Andrew and their children Cameron and Matthew of Sanford, 5 sisters, Isabelle Hughes, Margaret Trogstad, Carol Bronder, Mary Flannery and Donna Horan, a brother, Edward Bronder, and many nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:00 AM at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, Sanford. Burial will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Maine Children's Cancer Program, Maine Medical Center Development Office, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, 04102. To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.