FARMINGTON — Richard William “Dick” Armstrong, 75, of Farmington, died Sunday, July 22, at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center, following a long illness, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born Sept. 19, 1936, in Farmington, the second son of James W. and Muriel (Sanborn) Armstrong. Educated in Wilton schools, he was a 1955 graduate of Wilton Academy and continued his education at Yale University, where he earned a BA in economics in 1959.

After college, he joined his father’s insurance agency in Wilton and eventually purchased and ran the Armstrong Insurance Co. for many years. He later went to work at Forster Manufacturing Co. as the director of human resources. He retired from Western Maine Transportation as deputy manager and treasurer at the same time that he owned and operated Jack’s Logging Supplies in West Farmington.

He was active in many organizations such as the Wilton Lions Club, the Wilton Masonic Lodge 156, where he had served as master in 1964 and had served as treasurer from 1999 to 2001; York Rite Bodies consisting of the Franklin Chapter 34 and Jepthah Council 17 and Pilgrim Commandery 19, Knights Templar, having served as past commander and was a member of the Kora Temple Shrine of Lewiston.

On May 27, 2009, he was presented with his 50-year Masonic Veterans’ Medal. He also served as president of the Wilton Development Corp., and was a former member of the Wilton zoning appeals board, past president of the Wilton Finance Committee; past president of the Wilton Library Association; past president of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and served for many years on the board of trustees of Wilton Academy.

He held several elected positions including town clerk of Wilton; Franklin County treasurer and served four terms in the Maine Legislature representing the local area. He was also a member of the Yale Club of Maine.

He lived the majority of his life in Wilton and upon retirement, wintered in Florida, and lived in North Jay. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, camping and playing Monday night bridge with the men.

Dick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elsie “Patty” Greenleaf Armstrong of Farmington; four daughters, Mary Armstrong of Yarmouth, Laura Neleski and her husband, Bill, of Cumberland, Muriel Armstrong of Farmington and Sara Armstrong and her significant other, Bruce Robinson, of Meriden, Conn.; he adored his three grandchildren, Richard, William and Cooper; along with his “granddog,” Jack; a brother, James Armstrong and his wife, Janet, of Oakland, Calif.; a sister, Madelyn Armstrong of Malden, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

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