FALMOUTH – Capt. Richard Lewis Barter Sr. (Ret. – Captain Portland Fire Department), 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 9, 2023, at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth.

Richard was born in Portland, on Sept. 2, 1931, the son of Philip and Thelma Barter. Richard met and fell in love with his wife of 69 years, Carolyn J (Sanson) Barter while attending Portland High School, graduating in 1949. They were married in June 1952. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he completed four years of service, stationed in Norfolk Virginia. They then settled in Portland where they raised their six children, moving to Falmouth in 1973.

He was then employed by the City of Portland as a fire fighter, becoming lieutenant in 1967, and retiring in 1975 as the Captain of the Portland Fire Boat. During retirement, he started his construction business R.L. Barter & Sons with his sons Richard Jr. and Ronald where they built many homes and remodeling in the Portland area. Richard enjoyed being a member of the Masons Deering Lodge #183, the Falmouth Lions Club, and The Elks Club where he served as Exalted Ruler and District Board Member. He and Carolyn were members of The Poland Springs Country Club where they enjoyed their summers golfing, and where he got his Hole-in-One on the sixth hole on July 17, 1993. They were also proud to be lifetime members of the Italian Heritage Center were they enjoyed many dances, weekly gin tournaments, and many other club functions.

Richard leaves behind and will be greatly missed by his four sons, Richard Jr., Donald and wife Deborah, Ronald and wife Maryann, David and fiancé Elaine Burnell, two daughters, Debra Barter and significant other Jon Jarrell and Carol-Lynn Grace and significant other Marc Bissonnette Jr.; nieces, Dianne Smiley and husband Sam, Denise Russell and husband David, niece Judy Lamoreaux, nephew John Gallagher and wife Lisa. Richard also leaves behind seven grandchildren, April, Melissa, Andrew, Steven, Matthew, Megan and Corey, and 10 great-grandchildren, and several great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn, his parents, brother Philip Jr., sister Beverly Clark, half-sisters, Gertrude Talbot and Dorothy Plante, sister in-law June Walker, grandson Ryan Barter, and daughter in-law Melanie Barter.

Special thanks to the staff at Sedgewood Commons and Compassus Hospice. Caregivers Rebecca, Courtney, Toni, Judy, and Jackie, the staff with Home Care Assistance.

Visiting Hours will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 3-5 p.m., at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home in Portland. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 19 at 1 p.m., at the funeral home with a reception to follow. The burial will be held in Blanchard Cemetery in Falmouth on July 12, 2023 at 1 p.m.

To share memories of Richard or to leave the family an online condolence please visit, http://www.athutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Dementia Society of America.