1924 – 2015
WESTBROOK — James D. Riordan, 90, a resident of Avita of Stroudwater, Westbrook, formerly of Rumford, died on Wednesday, May 27.
He was born in Livermore Falls on Aug. 14, 1924, the second of nine children to George and Serena Riordan. He graduated from Livermore Falls High School and attended Farmington Normal School for one year before serving in the United States Air Force during World War II for three years. He graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree and Syracuse University with a master’s degree in public administration.
James worked for seven years for the town of Rumford as tax assessment administrator and was self-employed for many years in real estate sales, management and appraisals. He was a member of the Appraisal Institute, an active trustee of the Franklin County Savings Bank and chairman of the Maine Real Estate Commission. He also served on the Rumford Finance Committee and Planning Board.
He was active in political affairs, including the Muskie campaigns and in efforts to maintain the town meeting form of government. He was a lifelong Democrat, and took a leading role to protect water quality and the forest environment of Roxbury Pond. He was a pilot in the Civilian Air Patrol.
The hobby he was the most enthusiastic about was skiing with family and friends, extending well into his 80s. He was an avid reader of good fiction, American history and investment theory and practice. He enjoyed his evening walks, not only for the exercise, but also to chat with his neighbors along the way. He was a principled and generous man, who above all, was committed and devoted to his wife, Anna Buccina Riordan, and family.
James is survived by three daughters, Susan Starr of Scarborough, Judith and husband, Kent Willette, of Yarmouth, and Ellen Blood of Marblehead, Mass.; a son, Hugh Riordan of South China; two brothers, Peter Riordan and wife, Kelly, of Livermore Falls, and O’Brien Riordan of Aptos, Calif.; two sisters, Rita Mynahan of Lewiston, and Rose Orcutt and husband, Elgin, of San Geronimo, Calif.; four grandchildren, Kristin Macisso and husband, Ben, and Kate, James O. and Julie Riordan; and great-grandchildren, Anna and Lily Macisso.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Avita of Stroudwater.
Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.
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