Obituary: George R. Lilly
George R. "Dick" Lilly, Retired Portland Police Detective and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 88
George R. "Dick" Lilly, whose decades of service to the city of Portland spanned police work, volunteer firefighting and years of community outreach, died on Aug. 8, 2026. He was 88.
Born in Portland on March 14, 1938, Lilly spent nearly his entire life in the city where he was raised. He was the son of George and Frances (Young) Lilly, and he graduated from Deering High School in 1956. After high school, he went to work as a truck driver, a job he held for several years before deciding on a career in law enforcement.
In 1960, Lilly entered the Police Academy and was appointed a Portland Police Officer on July 18 of that year. He spent the next two decades working his way up through the department, earning a promotion to detective on July 6, 1980. He retired from the Portland Police Department on Feb. 3, 1981.
During his years in law enforcement, Lilly held a number of other jobs as well. He worked at the Portland Airport Limousine Company at the Jetport and later at Eastern Security Systems, which eventually became Protection One. Beginning in 1979, he also volunteered with the Falmouth Fire Department, contributing his time and energy for many years.
Lilly married Leola Madore on Feb. 11, 1961, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Portland. The couple built a life centered on family. Lilly was the father of five children and was known for the dedication he showed in raising them and, later, his grandchildren. He took particular pride in instilling the value of hard work, and family members remember him as someone who was always ready to provide a ride, lend a hand or simply be present when needed.
In his spare time, Lilly was an avid amateur radio operator. He built his own HAM radio and had been a full member of the American Radio Relay League since 1955. He also kept a home weather station and enjoyed monitoring his police scanner, hobbies that family and friends say reflected both his practical mind and his easygoing sense of humor.
Lilly's commitment to service extended well beyond his paid work. He volunteered at Preble Street Resource Center in Portland, donating his time to help others in need.
He was predeceased by his wife, Leola, as well as his parents and his brother, Brian Lilly. He is survived by his five children: Darrell (Jessie) Lilly, Michael (Mary) Lilly, Lisa (Tom) Moody, Wendy (Jan) Boyle and Heidi (Tim) Goodine. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and close friends.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland, with a catered reception to follow at the funeral home.
The family has expressed gratitude to the staff at Park Danforth for their compassionate care, singling out Vicki, Lynn, Katy, Jason, Kris and Jeremiah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local food pantry.
