Richard Elmer Royer, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026 in the Inverness Florida Citrus Hill Care Center.

He was born November 16, 1940 in Warren, Maine to Rowley ( Pete ) Royer and Marie Marr Royer.

Richard was the eldest of seven children: Richard, Kenny, Shirley, Peter, Jane, Wynonna and Bruce. He was predeceased by his father, mother; two brothers, Peter and Bruce; and two sisters, Jane Hannon and Wynonna (Noni) Robinson; son-in law-Bradley Rosie; and his granddaughter, Rachel Long.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Condon Royer of 44 years and his children, Robin Rosie, of Monroe, Maine; Roxanna " Rocki" Jones and her husband, Michael, of Washington, Maine; Richard Royer, Jr., and his wife Amy, of Brooks, Maine; Rodney Royer and his wife, Corrine, of Tenants Harbor, Maine; and Michael and Ronda Long, of South Thomaston, Maine.

Grandchildren, Ryan Rosie, Alicia Rosie and Richard "Rick" Camber, Evan Camber, Zack Armstrong, Abigail St. Valle and Lauren Abbate; great grandchildren, Nathaniel, Cameron, Caitlyn Rosie and Luke Camber,  Emerson Armstrong and Khari St. Valle and Bradley Rosie; brother Kenny Royer, of El Paso, Texas; and his sister, Shirley Simmons, of Cushing, Maine; as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

Richard grew up in Warren, Maine. He joined the Air Force after graduating from high school. He was on the mechanic and firefighting units.

When he returned, he married and raised his family. He worked at National Sea Products, the shipyard division in Rockland. He was the head welder shop steward and union representative until Richard and his wife, Barbara, were hit by a drunk driver, and he became disabled and was forced to retire at the young age of 51.

Richard and his wife were able to continue to taking  trips together to Texas and Hawaii, as well as some cruises. They built a home in Florida in 2005 and eventually retired there. Richard was very self-sustained until five years ago, when he needed to go into an adult care facility for more help with physical therapy and balance issues from the brain injury that occurred from the drunk driver. But even there he made some good friends, with the staff and the other residence.

He was nicknamed the Governor. He would get into his wheelchair to go check on all his friends every day. He was also known as the "Candy Man", doling it out to the staff and residents. He went around with a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes. He is now at peace, he will be forever missed. Soar high Dad, you are free from you pain for the first time in 35 years. We love you. SOAR HIGH.

In lieu of flowers please donate to MADD  MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVERS.

Richard's funeral will be held at the Rockland Congregational Church,  180 Limerock  Street, June 20, at 10 a.m., with a reception to be held at the church following the service. Military honors will be held at the Achorn Cemetery with graveside immediately following.

Rev. Irven Gammon will preside.