Richard J. "Rick" Angel, BHS 1966

Richard J. Angel, BHS 1966

BANGOR, MAINE - Richard J. Angel, 63, died March 10, 2012, at a Bangor hospital after a long illness. He was born in 1948, in Wheeling, W.Va., son of Teodor H. and Athena (Pappas) Angel. Rick spent his early childhood in Michigan, and his teen and high school years in Burbank, Calif., where he developed into a spectacular scholar.

Rick was a true "Renaissance man," displaying a voracious curiosity in all subjects, while also competing in varsity tennis and being voted "best dancer" by his high school classmates. After graduating from Burbank High School with high scholastic honors and the title of "most likely to succeed," Rick entered Columbia University on the President's Scholarship. There, he delved deeply into developmental psychology and philosophy. He continued his education at Columbia, receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Arts, Masters of Philosophy and Doctorate from the University.

Rick loved the culture and excitement of New York City and lived there for 18 years. Even after moving to Maine, his love of the city could be recognized by the New York Yankees cap that he could be seen to proudly sport. He continued his scholarly pursuits with a Post-Doctoral NIS Fellowship at Harvard Unversity, carrying on his academic research, teaching, and writing in epistemology and the philosophy of science. He moved to California in the 1980s to teach in the California State University system. He returned to Harvard to complete two years as a GSAS Visiting Fellow to conclude his scholarly work.

In his spare time, Rick began his first novel, which was published in 2001. A second novel followed several years later. Despite his academic interests and achievements, Rick's strongest interest was in his fellow human beings. An intuitive observer and a great conversationalist, Rick enjoyed nothing more than spending time with friends discussing every subject under the sun. He was unstinting in offering support when others were in need. Rick also loved meeting new people and was adept at putting them at ease.

A highlight of Rick's life was Fountain Books, Eastport, where he ran the old-fashioned soda fountain and bookstore. He could be found behind the fountain dispensing generous ice cream cones and good humor. Rick was proud of his Macedonian and Greek heritage and enjoyed sharing Greek-American culture and especially food! - with others. His greatest joy was in seeing others happy and well fed. Since moving to Bangor, Rick has been a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He appreciated the opportunity to worship in the Orthodox tradition in which he had been raised and to be a part of such a wonderful community.

His family wishes to thank the Bangor Fire Department and emergency medical technicians for their many appearances and assistance, and to all those who gave him such care and concern during his illness. Rick is survived by his loving and beloved wife, Ellen; son, Kobe; mother, Athena Pappas; brother, Matt Angel; sister, Naomi Angel; and sister, Maria Tsilimidos. He was predeceased by his father, Teodor H. Angel.

Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor, where a Trisagion service will begin 7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Sanford Street, Bangor, with the Rev. Adam Metropoulos, presbyter, presiding. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 90 Sanford St., Bangor, ME 04401.

Published in BDN Maine from March 12 to March 13, 2012

BEST DANCERS - Rick Angel and Wendy Burtis

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED - Sue Farquhar and Rick Angel