LINCOLNVILLE — John L. Richards, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Saturday, November 22, 2025, with his two children by his side.

Born on May 24, 1950, to Robert and Janet Richards, John grew up on Rosecroft Farm in Lincolnville. He spent his childhood days alongside his older sister, Donna, helping their father in the chicken houses that supported the family’s livelihood. John attended Lincolnville Central School and graduated from Camden High School in 1968. Throughout his high school years, he worked under the close guidance of his father, learning the earthwork and construction business that would eventually become his lifelong career. When Bob retired, John proudly took the helm of Richards Construction.

After high school, John met and fell in love with his future wife, Sheryl. Following a brief engagement, they married in a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. John poured his heart and hard work into building his construction business, which he would later pass on to his firstborn 40 years later. Together, he and Sheryl welcomed two children: their son, John Jr., and daughter, Jodi.

Many cherished memories were made during winter school vacations when John would pack up the family and drive south to Florida to visit relatives and enjoy the Disney attractions. Summers were spent on Pitcher Pond, where John built a beautiful second home—a place filled with laughter, friends, family, and countless happy memories. In their later years, John and Sheryl enjoyed traveling the country together, sometimes with friends and other times just the two of them.

John was never one to let the grass grow under his feet; he was a businessman through and through. Alongside his friend and business partner, Earl Brown, he built and managed Country Storage in Lincolnville Beach for many years. He also owned and operated Richards’ Bus Service, which served local schools for decades. Over time, he added a fleet of tour buses, sending them up and down the eastern seaboard from the company’s home base in Lincolnville.

Retirement didn’t suit John for long. Discovering he wasn’t “retirement material,” he began flipping houses—and quickly found success. He spent the next decade transforming properties or building beautiful homes from the ground up, many boasting stunning ocean views. He took great pride in turning “nothing into something.”

In his later years, John found great joy in his daily late-afternoon drives to visit close friends Mike Chaples, Terry Whitney, Marshall Harriman, Bill Vashon, and Jay Gilpatrick. The group often gathered in Mike’s garage, where they laughed, joked, debated, and solved the world’s problems over many cups of coffee.

Despite several health setbacks over the past year, John remained positive and fought his battle with remarkable strength. His final days were spent surrounded in love by John, Jodi, and his beloved pup, Molly.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Jean Botley, who provided loving personal care and companionship during John’s final months. Deep appreciation is also given to the staff at Maine Health Waldo Oncology and Cardiology for their compassionate care throughout his cancer journey. To John’s close friends—Mike Chaples, Terry Whitney, Tom Nangle, Marshall Harriman, Bill Vashon, and Jay Gilpatrick—your friendship meant the world to him. In recent years, he also cherished rekindling a special friendship with Rene Brin.

John was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Janet Richards, and by his wife, Sheryl Richards.

He is survived by his children, John Richards, Jr. and his wife, Tammy; and Jodi Richards Hanson and her partner, Juan; as well as his grandchildren Ryan, Devin, and Myia; and great-grandchildren Freya, Addison, Everleigh, Quinn, and Parker. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Richards Brown, her husband Steve, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2026.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to P.A.W.S. in Camden.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.