Richard Donald Hanelius

Richard Donald Hanelius, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 18, 2023 in his winter home of St Augustine, FL. He was born on January 19, 1938, in Hartford, CT, to the late Kusti and Edna Hanelius. Richard was a beloved partner, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother and uncle. Richard's life was filled with adventure and a passion for following his own unique path. After graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and teaching math to high school students in Farmington, Connecticut for 15 years, he decided to pursue his own dreams. Richard started a painting business in his hometown of Avon and later ventured to Colorado, where he pursued his passion for skiing and construction. Drawing upon the carpentry skills passed down from his Finnish grandfather, Richard built spec houses. His journey eventually led him to Maine, where he met his partner in all things, Mary Ann. Together, Richard and Mary Ann built a contracting business and legacy on Mount Desert Island, living there for 36 years. Richard's carpentry skills and Mary Ann's designs resulted in beautiful homes surrounded by lovingly designed, planted and cared-for gardens. Richard delighted in building stone walls around and through the gardens in all the homes he built, creating great beauty. They also started a successful vacation rental business in several of these houses, with Richard actively working until 2022. In the winter months for many years, they spent time with Richard’s life long friend Pat Bailey in Florida, until finding their own home in St Augustine, FL in 2012 where they restored an old 1920's Spanish bungalow. Richard's adventurous spirit extended beyond his profession and home. He and Mary Ann traveled the world together, exploring every corner of the earth from the Antarctic to Greenland, Asia to Europe, and Africa. They embraced different cultures by engaging in house exchanges, fostering meaningful connections with others often traveling with Richard's sister, Gail and her husband, Leif. Sailing was one of Richard's loves, whether chartering boats with his son, Jeff, or later sharing the experience with his son-in-law, Adam. Another cherished pastime of his was practicing Tai Chi at Seawall, where he had a friendly seagull companion who joined him every morning. In addition to his partner, Mary Ann Hale, Richard is survived by his daughter, Kim Silverman, and son-in- law, Adam Silverman; his son, Jeff Hanelius, and daughter-in-law, Dyanne Hanelius; his step- daughters, Laila Dekkaki, Nawal Dekkaki, and Jessica Azmi; his grandchildren, Samuel Gasner, Maxwell Gasner, Ariel Hanelius, and Jacob Hanelius; his step-grandchildren, Robert Silverman, Gabriella Silverman, Julia Silverman, Evan Leff, Maia Wilkinson, Isabelle George, Hayden Butler, Hayley Butler, and Sophia Azmi; and his great- grandchild, Oberon Gasner. Richard is also survived by his sister, Gail Nord, and brother-in-law, Leif Nord; his brother, Bill Hanelius, and sister-in-law, Betsey Hanelius; as well as his nieces, Karina Ancona, Nicole Smith, Lia Ulbrich, and Ani Phillips. A memorial service will be planned for the summer of 2024 in Maine to honor Richard's life, celebrate his accomplishments, and bring together family and friends to share cherished memories. The St John's Family Funeral Home in St Augustine, FL, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Richard will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his independent spirit, his love for adventure and, most especially, for his remarkable sense of humor that kept us laughing as well as his dedication to creating beautiful homes and gardens. His legacy will live on in these and through the cherished memories that he leaves behind. May his adventurous spirit and love for life continue to inspire us all.

Richard Donald Hanelius

January 19, 1938 - December 18, 2023