Paul "Dick" Richard Lajoie

May 13, 1940 ~ November 6, 2022
Resided in:
Saco, Maine
Saco – Paul R. “Dick” Lajoie, 82, passed away at home on November 6, 2022.
Dick was born in Lewiston on May 13, 1940, a son of the late Ernest and Amelia Lajoie. Growing up in Portland, he graduated from Deering High School in 1959. Following graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy.
After his honorable discharge, Dick moved to New York to continue his technical education to establish his career with the former New England Telephone Company. Always wanting to come back to Maine, Dick put in for a transfer to come home to Maine. For over 36 years, Dick worked throughout Maine to install and repair phone systems in commercial and residential buildings, retiring in 1999.
Following his retirement, Dick enjoyed his pursuit of life-long learning and physical fitness. He enjoyed wood working, house remodeling and furniture restoration, off road biking, golf, skiing, reading, and studying military history. However, his biggest passion in life was his love for long-distance running. Throughout his life, he completed many road races, marathons, and participated in several Beach to Beacon Road Races where he was proud to place in his age-group. Though he was devastated to give up running later in life, he supported, taught, mentored and coached many others to help them achieve their fitness goals.
He was a very generous and giving individual with a great sense of humor who had the ability to communicate with anyone, regardless of age. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan who loved family gatherings and spending time with those he loved. Dick was an incredible soul who will be deeply missed.
Dick's Family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers at Hospice of Southern Maine.
He is predeceased by his sisters, Doris Burke, Rochelle Malia and Joan Wilcox; brother, Robert Lajoie and his beloved cats, Abbey and Mr. Stubbs.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Nian Lyman-Lajoie of Saco; daughter, Amy Lajoie of NV; step-sons, Eric Severy and wife Ashley of Durham and Joel Severy of CA. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Lajoie and wife Joan of FL and several nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, November 18 at 1PM at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress Street, Portland. A reception and Celebration of Dick’s life will follow from 2-4PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Dick’s memorial page, or to share a condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice of Southern Maine, or The Special Olympics, an organization that Dick held near to his heart.

Thank you, Dick, for teaching me how to love running. I will miss our conversations about running, racing and PR’s. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have known you.
Dick was an active and cherished member of the Maine running community. He was a wonderful friend and he had many outstanding qualities. I will miss him and send Niane and Dick’s family my deepest sympathy.
So many running memories about Dick. But the most important memory is that he lived life as the epitome of “friend.” When ever you met Dick he made you feel like you were his best friend. He has been a gift to us all and will live forever in our memories.
Otto & I miss you so much Dick. You were a very special person and I know you meant so much to everyone who knew & loved you. I hope you’re running endless races and beating your PRs. Thank you for being a good friend.
Uncle Dick, you will be deeply missed by all who knew you. I was a lucky girl to have you as my uncle. I will miss all of your visits to my office just to say hi and our Sunday phone calls. We all have wonderful memories of you and will keep them in our hearts. Love you, Laurie ❤️
I always looked forward to running with Dick at the local races. He was a sweet man and will be missed.
I was so blessed to have such a wonderful Uncle! I will always treasure our time together & Uncle Dicks love for his family, nature, food & Jesus (most of all)! You always brought so much Joy & Love to our lives… Love you always 💓 Pam
I have fond memories of running, kayaking, and getting together with “Dick”.
Great individual to be with.
My Uncle was always so good to me and I had so much fun with him I remember him taking me out on kayak rides and talking to me about real life stuff and offering advice and encouragement and playing cribbage with me endlessly when no one else wanted to He was such a genuine and good hearted person anyone who spent any time around him could sense that
Sorry to read of Dick’s passing. My sympathy’s to family & friends. I met him when he would visit my stepfather, Ike Curran. He was a wonderful friend to Ike. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Sue Barton
He was a very special brother to Tom always loved him as his little brother we had some great times together at the lake and he was a very special uncle to our children we will all miss him terribly but know he’s running on the golden streets of heaven💕