BRIDPORT — Richard L. Lilly, 89, died Monday evening, Feb. 7, 2022, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Oct. 11, 1932, in Orwell, the son of the late Milo and Marjorie Lilly. He married the late Shirley (Giard) Lilly on June 18, 1955.

Richard was a veteran of the Korean Era, serving his country in Germany. He was an honorary member of the Bridport Fire Department, a charter member of the Bridport Sno Birds, lifetime member and past director of VAST, and a member of the Middlebury American Legion Post 27  and the Bridport Historical Society.

He was an avid gardener who loved to share his bountiful yield with family and friends for many years, up until last season when he turned his garden over to granddaughter-in-law Michelle and family. He enjoyed snowmobiling, tractor pulling, and keeping his lawn in a pristine appearance.

He is survived by his two sons, Craig and wife Alana Lilly of Bridport and Jared Lilly of Eden, Vt.; by grandchildren, John, Michelle, Morgan, and Joe; and his great-grandchildren that were joys of his life, Cooper, Nora, and Owen. He also leaves his sister, Harriet Vail of New Lebanon, N.Y., and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Barbara DeGray of Bridport, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, parents, and siblings Charlene, Edith, Judy and Carl.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Luke Austin as the celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bridport Fire Department at PO Box 27 Bridport, VT 05734, or to Addison County Home Health and Hospice at PO Box 754 Middlebury, VT 05753.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com.◊