Richard C. Somerville
Known to all as "Dick," he was remembered for his work ethic, his loyalty, his humor, his Greek pride, and his ability to bring laughter and perspective into nearly any room.
SACO — Richard "Dick" Somerville passed away on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, countless stories, and a legacy built on hard work, humor, stubbornness, and a life fully lived.
Richard was born on August 24, 1944, in Houlton, Maine, while his father was serving in Europe during World War II. When his father returned, the family moved to Old Orchard Beach and later to Saco. After a period in South Carolina, Richard returned north to live with his beloved Yiayia — his Greek grandmother — in Old Orchard Beach. He graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School and went on to Maine Maritime Academy, an accomplishment he was especially proud of, following in the footsteps of his uncle Peter Scontras and cousin Robert Somerville.
Richard served in the Merchant Marines during part of the Vietnam War and later worked aboard cruise ships, manning the engines. After the passing of his first wife, Patsy, he spent time in Greece to decompress and reconnect with his roots before returning to the United States. He pursued his MBA at Northeastern University while working at Travelers Insurance Company, and in 1979 joined Thermo Electron (Thermo Fisher Scientific), where he became Director of Risk Management over a distinguished 35-year career. He helped establish Thermo Fisher's captive insurance companies in Bermuda, served on the Board of Directors of Medmarc Insurance Company, and later consulted for Aon before retiring.
Richard spent many years raising his family in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and later enjoyed his retirement years in Saco, Maine. He was hardworking, stubborn, funny, and never too polished to swear about the small things. He was the kind of person you wanted nearby when something difficult was happening: dependable, steady, able to find something funny in almost any situation. A true Greek at heart, Richard loved Greek music and embraced every opportunity to dance to Zorba the Greek. He played in racquetball tournaments in his 40s and enjoyed golfing, fishing, poker, good food, travel, and time in Maine. In recent years he volunteered at St. Demetrios Greek Festival in Saco, where he especially enjoyed helping the women baking in the church kitchen.
Richard is predeceased by his first wife, Patricia (Ladakakos) Somerville, and by his parents, Theresa (Scontras) Sudol and Cyril Somerville.
He is survived by his wife, Vanja; his children, Andrew and Sarah Somerville of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Rachel Somerville and Alejandro Graciano of Saco, Maine, Eirik and Bianca Somerville of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Adrian Somerville of Wellesley, Massachusetts; four grandchildren; his brothers, Dennis Somerville and his wife Kathy of Central, South Carolina, and Davy Somerville and his wife Sudy of Knoxville, Tennessee; his Aunt Becky Scouras of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and a niece, many nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.