William Dickey
November 27, 1946 ~ March 29, 2023
Resided in:
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Old Orchard Beach - Best known for his big warm hugs and welcoming smile, William E. Dickey passed away on March 29th, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bill was born to Mildred and Roy Dickey and grew up in Skowhegan, Maine. In Skowhegan, he met and married his one true love Gloria Jean, otherwise known as “Glo.” Bill and Gloria initially moved to Livermore Falls after High School to work for Livermore Falls Shoe before Bill went on to work for Hannaford Brothers for over 20 years.
It was in Livermore Falls that they started their family—their daughter Darci first and 5 years later their son Ryan. Bill and Gloria established lifelong friends in Livermore Falls, and Bill’s love of Christmastime inspired him to play Santa Claus at many a Christmas gathering. He had that special sparkle in his eye that made him perfect for the role, and he truly cherished the excitement and wonder he saw in the children that told Santa what they wanted for Christmas.
Bill’s grandchildren have countless stories of their grandfather’s endless generosity. When his grandson Donnie was in Middle School and loved skateboarding, Bill built him a quarter pipe ramp in their driveway for him to practice on. Bill and his grandson Brady were always excited to construct the next fort or clubhouse, including a submarine they made from a simple refrigerator box—complete with a periscope fixed out of toilet paper rolls poking from the top. He loved seeing his granddaughter, Sarah Jean, enjoy her independence and develop her positive approach to the world. He loved seeing his grandson, Alex, become a Marine. He was so happy to see his granddaughter, Isabelle, thrive in her adult life and create beautiful crocheted blankets, and he was always eager to hear about his grandson, Shane’s, well-being. Proud beyond belief, Bill was their biggest cheerleader.
Being one of 6 children, Bill was especially close to his sister, Marilyn, and his brothers, Galen and Norman. Bill called Marilyn once a week just to chat about their kids, grandkids, and the goings on in Skowhegan. When Bill and Gloria started wintering in Florida, they so enjoyed that Norman and Pat would spend a month with them playing cards and having “happy hour” in their canal room. Bill and Gloria also treasured the friendship of the “Woodbridge Crew” in Old Orchard Beach, having Sunday dinners at each other's houses and traveling together for well over 20 years. One of Bill’s proudest personal achievements was the challenge of climbing the Precipice in Acadia with them.
Spending time with new and old friends in St. Petersburg over the last 8 years felt like heaven on earth to Bill. During his time there, he enjoyed having a part in the Americana Cove Christmas play as a shepherd, cruising the park in the bright green golf cart with flames on the side, playing cards, and watching for dolphins in the canal.
Bill was a gift to all who knew him. His son, Ryan Dickey, who is married to Jennifer Dickey, remarked, “my heart will never be as big as Dad’s, but I’m trying. He was a true inspiration to mold my life after.” His daughter, Darci, married to Don Foshay Jr., feels enormously grateful to have had Bill Dickey as her father for the last 55 years, saying, “my Dad loved people. Everyone he met was a potential friend. His positivity was infectious, and I know his spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.”
Our family would like to especially thank the staff at St. Anthony’s infusion center in St. Petersburg. They took extra special care of our Dad, and he loved them all. And our tremendous gratitude to Dr. Ahmad Shaker, who treated our father like he was his own.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on August 19, 2023, from 1:00-4:00pm at Duffy's Tavern & Grill, 168 Saco Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
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Our Sincere Condolences to Gloria & all Family. First meet Bill in Americana Cove & had the pleasure to work hand in hand with him cooking for our Canada Night Dinner. Bill was a very warm, Kind & Giving man, We teased each other a lot with me calling him Dave & him calling me Dolly. Will be Sadly Missed by all & will miss his warm Hugs.R.I.P. Bill.
Sweet memories of a wonderful man.
Through our children
I’m so sorry for your loss you’re all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
I went to work at Sonny’s after I retired. Then Bill said he had a job for me at MRC. Bill always came through the door with a warm smile and hug. He was the best boss I ever had. Bill was a wonderful friend ❤️
When I think of Bill, I immediately think of Numbers 6:24-26. “ The LORD bless you, and keep you. The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
This, to me, is the face of Bill Dickie. Goodness, kindness, integrity. ♥️
Bill and Gloria have been friends of my parents’ for years at Americana Cove. They came for happy hour, pie night, cocktails because kids arrived, you name it – any occasion Mom could think up. Daddy called Bill “Bull”, and so did I. Gloria, we LOVED being friends with you and Bull, and we hope to continue that warm relationship into the future, even though Bull, and both Daddy and now Mom have left us. You will be a special guest at any family gathering we have – because once our family accepts you, you are in our hearts (and family) forever. Gloria, I am sending you love and prayers, and hope that you will find comfort and peace with loving memories of your dear husband. Please know that we love you. God bless you and keep you safe and healthy. Love, from the entire Rogers family, Jolee
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was the kindest most joyful ,positive man I have ever known. I am so happy to have known him. I will remember his hugs always ❤️
Dear Darci and family,
Our hearts go out to you losing such big bright light. I will forever remember his smile and warm presence. Your bright light has always shown and now he will shine always within you. I pray your moms heart holds tight, all their wonderful memories. I send love, hugs and pride that I was able to meet your father even if you cut the chair rail wrong and with tender gloves, he showed you exactly how to do it right. 😁.
I’m here for you! Unless our first grand baby is born near August 19, we look forward to celebrating your fathers life with you.
Biggest of hugs to all of you.
Love,
Pauline ( Steve and our young men too 😘😘)
So very sorry for your loss. Special memories of Bill at Americana Cove. Always smiling and helpful. During the Christmas pageant he was a great shepherd and then a king. Truly many great memories. A wonderful person, he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. May the many wonderful memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. 💗🙏
Bill will always be remembered by his infusion team for his kind heart, his sweet smile, and his incredible wisdom! He has shown us strength and courage throughout his journey and he will be deeply missed!
Gloria, Darci, Ryan and family:
My heart goes out to you all. Not a surprise that even one of Bill’s ( and Gloria’s of course) babysitters would have some of the fondest memories of him. His smile was so infectious and laugh contagious! May perpetual light shine upon him and May he rest in eternal peace!
Fondly,
Terri Bellmore
Bill was one of the most positive people I have ever met. He always seemed truly happy to be present wherever I saw him, flipping burgers at the Foshay’s BBQ or when I saw him in the infusion room at Maine Health, he was happy to see me there too. He spread his love and I am blessed to have known him even just a little bit. I know he will be missed greatly by many. Love to you all.