Obituary of Richard Ralph Pattershall

Swanville – Richard Ralph Pattershall age 75 passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024.

Richard was born on July 8, 1948, in Belfast. He was a member of the first graduating class of Belfast Area High School in 1966.Richard attended Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School in Baltimore, MD and shipped out on barges and ships to learn the pipefitting trade. At the age of 19, Richard survived the sinking of the S.S. Badger State off the coast of Vietnam. Richard did not return to the seas and had a 40-year career at Verso Paper in Bucksport until his retirement in 2011.

Upon retirement, Richard purchased his Lake House which became the family hub for birthdays, holidays, Patriot games and lobster feeds. The menu consisted of whatever the family decided to bring. The summer months when tending to his vegetable gardens, he always shared a picture of the first cucumber sandwich of the season. He also enjoyed the tomato sauce made from his tomato harvests and the apple crisp made with the fruit from his apple trees.

His grandchildren Morgan, Owen and Ella could be found eating raspberries and blueberries right from the bushes in his yard. Often Richard would comment that the berries were “cleaned out” and did so, with a smile from ear to ear and joy in his heart.

Richard was a “member” of the Swan Vegas Yacht Club and spent many nights on Swan Lake with friends and the well-known boat tie-up named “floatilla.” The West Mallard Lane crew became a second family to him, and he attended gatherings to celebrate Super Bowls, The Kentucky Derby, and 4^th of July boat parades. Richard often said, “Every day is a perfect day, when you live on the lake.”

Richard looked forward to hunting season in November as he spent time in Milbridge with his sister Shirley and her husband David. Richard was predeceased by his parents Curtis and Grace (Waterman) Pattershall and his brother-in-law David Livingstone. Richard is survived by family: daughter Tracy Hallett of Ellsworth, daughter Elizabeth (Liz) Wakem of Belfast and granddaughter Morgan Fernald of Wallingford CT, daughter Sara Nash and husband Josh and grandchildren Owen and Ella Breshears of Rockport, sister Shirley Livingstone of Milbridge, and brother Michael Pattershall and wife Susan of Augusta, along with several nieces, nephews and their families. Richard also had special friends in his life that he stayed connected with over the years.

Richard loved his lake life and treasured the days that family filled his home as it filled his heart to spend time with loved ones.

Friends and family may gather on Saturday March 16, 2024 from 1pm - 2pm at the Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast Maine for a time to visit with one another.  Funeral services will follow at 2pm.  Spring burial will be held privately. 

Donations in Richard's memory may be sent to: Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, 33 Whiting Hill Rd, Brewer, ME 04412.  Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute wall.