Richard Lee Corbett

Perry – Lt. Col. Richard Lee Corbett, 78, passed away Monday, March 10, 2014 at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth. Richard was born in Castine on April 18, 1935, son of the late Arthur and Ethel (Frost) Corbett. He graduated from Shead Memorial High School in Eastport and received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry from University of Maine at Orono. While at Orono, Richard was active in the R.O.T.C. program and enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 6, 1954. He served in Special Forces with the Green Berets and Rangers, earning the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, as well as numerous other awards. While stationed in Alaska, Richard met the love of his life, Ai Takahashi, and they were married in March, 1974. Richard retired from the U.S. Army on March 31, 1978. Following his retirement from the Army, he worked as a postal clerk for the US Postal Service in Alaska. In 2001, Richard and Ai moved to Maine where they built their home in Perry. He was a member of Crescent Lodge #78 A.F. & A.M. in Pembroke as well as the lodge in Alaska, American Legion in Alaska, Perry Grange, and served as a selectman for the town of Perry. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling stories, being an amateur gunsmith, reading war strategy books, and was very generous to charitable organizations and causes.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by a cousin Herbert Frost. Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Ai Corbett of Perry; special cousins Paula Frost and wife Lillian Cox of Perry, Donald Frost of China, and Kenneth Frost of Vassalboro; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visiting hours will be held 1-2 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 at Mays Funeral Home – Flagg Chapel, 72 High St., Eastport, where a celebration of Richard’s life will follow the visiting hours, beginning at 2 p.m. A private burial will be held in the spring at the Frost Cemetery in Perry. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Perry Fire Department, c/o Paula Frost, 451 Old Eastport Rd., Perry, ME 04667.

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