ROCKLAND — Richard D. Knowlton, 69, died peacefully on May 4, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at the Sussman House in Rockport.

Born in Rockland on March 28, 1947, he was the son of Richard F. and Ruth Johnson Knowlton. He attended Rockland schools, graduating in 1965 from Rockland High School, the first class to graduate from the “new building.”

Following high school, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Oakland, Calif., he served aboard the USS Ranger, on the flight deck as catapult man in Vietnam. While in the service, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Donna Haskell, in Bremerton, Wash., on Nov. 16, 1966. Together they raised two children, Alan and Amanda. Richard and Donna divorced in 1982.

Honorably discharged in 1969, he returned to his beloved hometown of Rockland. Richard began his working career with the Maine State Prison in Warren, working in the motor pool. Drawn to the sea and working on the water, he followed in his family’s footsteps, joining the fishing industry. For several years he served as sternman, until captaining his own boat. He also fished out of New Bedford and New Glouster, seining on the Stintson boat, The Western Sea.

Most recently, after retiring from fishing, Richard worked at the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland. He took great pride in his work as maintenance man, keeping the post going and helping his fellow legionnaires. He was recently honored with Legionnaire of the Year award.

Family was Richards's number one priority. He loved nothing more than spending time with them at the family cottage on Sebec Lake in Dover-Foxcroft. Regular trips hunting, fishing and snowmobiling were favorite pastimes, especially the annual boys’ Thanksgiving hunting trip.

For the past 10 years, Richard has enjoyed the companionship of Andrea Kelly of Rockland. Together they have enjoyed keeping large vegetable gardens, with Richard doing the gardening and Andrea the canning.

He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his parents; Richard is survived by his children, Alan Knowlton of South Thomaston and Amanda Knowlton and her fiancé, Peter Little, of Port Clyde; two grandsons, Dylan and Connor Knowlton of South Thomaston; his cousin, Glenn McCullough of Owls Head; his companion, Andrea Kelly of Rockland; and his former wife, Donna Dearborn of Tenants Harbor.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, May 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion on Upper Limerock Street in Rockland. Richard will be laid to rest privately, next to his parents, in Tenants Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, P.O. Box 582, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.