Retired Portland editor Richard Woodbury, 91

FALMOUTH – Richard Woodbury, a retired editor of the Portland Press Herald, Evening Express and Maine Sunday Telegram, died Sept. 12 at age 91.

Woodbury began his journalism career as Portland Evening News correspondent for his junior high school and joined the news staff of the Telegram in 1937 after graduating from Boston University.

He was promoted to editor of the Telegram in 1948 and later was named assistant managing editor of Portland’s three Guy Gannett newspapers. He also served for 10 years as public affairs director.

After directing a series of articles highlighting the impact of littering and other forms of roadside and community blight, Woodbury was appointed by Gov. John Reed to chair a committee that developed a “Keep Maine Scenic” program to control the disposal of used containers and junk autos and the proliferation of advertising displays.

Woodbury is survived by four children.

A memorial service will be held Friday at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home in Portland.