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Richard L Duplisea

Date of Death: March 24, 2025

Date of Birth: June 12, 1940

Biography:

Richard L. Duplisea, age 84, of Auburn, Maine passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025. He is survived by his wife Nancy of 30 years, his daughter Ann Elizabeth Elz Howe, husband Eric and granddaughter Acadia and his daughter Deborah Marie Elz Hammond, husband Barrett, granddaughter Emma Bard, husband Logan and two great-grandchildren twins Boden and Eleanor.

Richard graduated from Pennell Institute (now Gray-New Gloucester High School) in 1958. He was an active Boy Scout achieving his Eagle Scout status in 1953. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maine Orono in 1962 and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire College in 1986.

Richard held numerous positions in the business field throughout his career from Office Manager to Accountant to Controller to Assistant Treasurer. He retired from the Boy Scouts of America in Portland. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, traveling, doo wop concerts, and gardening.

Richard committed his life to the Masonic organization starting DeMolay at Auburn, Maine in 1954 where he was Master Counselor and received the awards of Chevalier and Legion of Honor and also served as Grand Steward.

Joining Cumberland Lodge #12 at New Gloucester, Maine in 1961, Richard served as Master in 1970, 2020, and 2021. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 23rd District in 1976-1978. He was also a member of Ancient Brothers Lodge #178.

Richard joined Boaz Chapter #72 in 1962 serving as High Priest in 1968-1969. He was also a member of Bradford Chapter #9 and served as Grand Sentinel, Captain of the Host, District Deputy High Priest and Most Excellent High Priest. He was Past President of the Order of High Priesthood of Maine and a member of the Albion Mark Lodge #402 in Allentown, PA.

He joined Dunlap Council #8 in 1963 and served as Illustrious Master in 1966 and Most Illustrious Grand Master of Maine in 1974. He was appointed Regional Deputy General Grand Master of the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International North East Region of the United States of America in 1993-1996. He was a past Thrice Illustrious Master of Maine Council of TIM. He received the Order of the Secret Vault #439.

Richard joined Lewiston Commandery #6 in 1963 and was Eminent Commander in 1967, appointed Grand Sword Bearer in 1970 and Past President of the Past Commander’s Association.

He was also a Past Prior of Pine Tree Priory #65, Knight’s York Cross of Honor.

He was a Past Governor of What Cheer York Rite College #43, a member of Dirigo York Rite College #103, Past Grand Governor of Maine and a recipient of the Order of Purple Cross.

Richard was a Past Sovereign Master of Josiah H. Drummond Council #1 and Akhawiyah Council #185. He was also a member of Harlan F. Small Council #406 AMD, past Senior Warden of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, and past Commander Noah of Oxford Lodge #1 Arch Mariner.

He was a Past Sovereign of Eusebius Conclave #3 and Past Grand Sovereign, and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Imperial Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine State of Maine.

He was a 32-degree Mason Valley of Rockland, JW Lodge of Perfection, and Valley of Portland.

Richard was a member of Eastern Star, past Treasurer of Golden Sheaf Chapter #114.

He belonged to the Royal Order of Scotland, Maine College SRICF, Pine Cone Council #31 Knight Masons, Order of Secret Monitor, 5th degree Bryn Pthyn Quarry Assemblye, plus many other Masonic bodies.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cumberland Lodge Charity Fund. Make checks payable to Cumberland Lodge #12. Mailing address as follows:

Richard A. McCann

PO Box 251

New Gloucester, ME 04260

There will be a Masonic service at the Auburn Masonic Hall, 1021 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 2:00 pm