ROCKLAND — Richard E. Penney, 65, died unexpectedly on July 4, 2016, with his loving family at his side, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Rockland on Aug. 31, 1950, he was the son of Guy and Marion Blake Penney. Educated locally, Richard was a 1968 graduate of Rockland High School. While in high school, Richard met his first love, Beth Nolan. The two dated for a few years prior to graduating. After graduation they went their separate ways, with Richard enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Maryland and Virginia he served for two years before being honorably discharged in 1975.

Returning to his home town of Rockland, Richard was employed with Marine Colloids until a strike sent him looking for work. He next went to work for a brief time with Ferraiolo's Construction before moving to Bicknell Manufacturing. Richard was extremely happy at Bicknell and worked there until that plant closed. At this point Richard returned to Ferraiolo's, where he was employed as a cement mixer driver. Richard was happiest in the driver's seat of his truck, he was proud of his work and always kept his truck sparkling clean. Even through his illness, Richard has continued to drive a few days a week until his passing on Sunday.

Later in life, Richard and Beth reconnected, and were able to build a beautiful life together. After dating for just a year, the two were married on Jan. 29, 1988. Together they have made their home in Rockland their entire married life. Richard made it his life's goal to make sure Beth was happy and had everything she ever needed.

When he wasn't busy working Richard loved to be outdoors. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes, and he loved spending time at the family cottage in Cushing. As a young boy Richard loved watching the lobster boats come and go as they passed by the cottage. One day a lobsterman, Elwin Hupper, stopped and asked him if he wanted to go along. From that point on, Mr. Hupper stopped at the wharf every day, taking Richard along. The cottage brought many happy memories for his entire family.

Richard was famous for his apple pies and donuts. He took great joy in making donuts for his friends and family, and often sent batches of them into work with his wife as a treat for her co-workers. They all looked forward to getting their morning donut! Richard also kept a large vegetable garden each year. He made dilly beans, pickles and salsa from the harvest, with his wife canning the rest. He loved to putter around the house, always keeping busy and keeping the cars clean.

He had a special place in his heart for his cat, Hobie, who came along as a stray just after the loss of three family pets. Richard affectionately called him “Daddy's buddy.”

Richard will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his father in 1976; a son, Galen Penney in 2002; his sister, Donna Thurlow in 2013; and a sister-in-law, Maude Ames; Richard is survived by his wife, Beth Penney; and his mother, Marion Penney, both of Rockland; his daughter, Raquel Moody and her husband, Mike, of Topsham; his stepdaughter, Raquel Seavey and her companion, Lauren Merritt, of Camden; a stepson, Shaun Seavey of Rockland; a brother-in-law, Kenney Nolan of Jeffersonville, Ind.; his former daughters-in-law, Beth Boivin of Thomaston and Jamaican Penney Vassey of Florida; as well as 14 grandchildren, Dean Penney, Brooke Penney, Ryan Moody, Garrett Moody, Kristin Penney, U.S. Marine Corps. Cpl. Dakota Rhodes, Drew Rhodes, Kaylie Rhodes, Coben Bickford Seavey, Deven Seavey, Micah Merritt, Teagan Merritt, Amanda Robbins and Bub Merritt,; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, July 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 12, at 4 p.m.