Richard F. Nolette "Kiki"

Biddeford

Richard F. Nolette, affectionately known as "Kiki," 75, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with his beloved wife, Julia, holding his hand.

Kiki was born on May 7, 1951, to Pauline C. (Blanchette) Nolette and Robert E. Nolette. He graduated from Biddeford High School in 1970, where he proudly wore the black and orange while playing sports and learning the trade of stone masonry alongside his father. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Cannoneer stationed in South Korea, where he was responsible for the mechanics and operation of artillery. After proudly receiving his honorable discharge, he ventured to southern Louisiana, where he worked as a tugboat mate.

Eventually, Kiki returned to his hometown, picked up his trowel once again, and resumed his passion for stone masonry, working alongside family and friends before establishing his own masonry business in 1995. He quickly became recognized as one of the area's finest masonry contractors. He took immense pride in his craftsmanship, especially the beautiful fireplaces with their signature arched designs, as well as countless chimneys, commercial buildings, foundations, mausoleums, and other stonework throughout southern Maine. His work left a lasting mark on the community, including relocating the large Jesus statue from St. Andres Church, restoring it, adding stone pavers, and creating the beautiful setting that now stands in front of St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford, restoring Biddeford High School's Liberty Bell, contributing to the buildings at Waterhouse Field, and creating the iconic stone flower planters that still line Main Street in downtown Biddeford.

Kiki's love for Biddeford extended far beyond his trade. He was one of the Tigers' most loyal supporters, never missing a Friday night football game from the 1970s through the 2025 season. He proudly watched his daughter, his son, and later both of his grandsons wear the black and orange with the same Tiger pride that lived in his heart. Some would even say he bled black and orange.

When he wasn't working, Kiki could usually be found enjoying the outdoors—ice fishing, casting a line into the water, camping, riding his motorcycle, or snowmobiling. During football season, however, nothing came before his beloved Seattle Seahawks. He faithfully watched every game, every NFL Draft, and somehow seemed to know the statistics of nearly every player in the league. He especially enjoyed the friendly family rivalries that football season always brought. One of his greatest joys was living long enough to watch the Seahawks capture yet another Super Bowl championship in February 2026.

Above all else, Kiki's favorite title was "Pepere." Over the past fifteen years, if he wasn't outdoors or watching football, everyone knew exactly where to find him—cheering on his grandsons. Whether it meant driving across northern Maine, western Massachusetts, or spending several days away at tournaments, he never hesitated to be there. Practices, games, meets, tournaments—he rarely missed one. Being their grandfather was, without question, the role he treasured most, and he was endlessly proud of both of them.

Kiki was predeceased by his parents, Pauline and Robert Nolette, and by his best friend, M&M, the family's beloved golden retriever.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Julia (Burke) Nolette; his daughter, Melissa "Missy" Nolette-Bald and her husband, Joel Bald, of Biddeford; his son, Mason Nolette and his partner, Angelica Racine, of Colorado; his grandsons, Lance Corporal Royce Bald, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Rocklen "Rocky" Bald of Biddeford; his brother, Norman Nolette and his partner, Laura McKinney, of Florida; his nieces, Kayla Nolette and her partner, Jamie Poitras, and Sherry Albert and her husband, Doug Albert; his nephew, Dustin Nolette and his wife, Nikki (Poitras) Nolette; along with two great-nieces, one great-nephew, and countless extended family members, friends, former coworkers, and members of the Biddeford community whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Kiki's memory to the Animal Welfare Society of Kennebunk, Wounded Heroes program of Maine, or the Biddeford Athletic Association.