ROCKLAND — Richard Haskell, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Rockland on February 17. Born in 1946 to Dr. Donald and Marguerite Haskell, he attended Rockland High School, graduating in 1964. Following education at the University of Maine, he enrolled in a television repair correspondence course offered by the RCA Institute. This led to a life-long career as an electronics service and sales professional.  

Richard met his wife, Mary, through a mutual friend in 1970 and they were married on May 26, 1973 at the Camden United Methodist Church. Together they established Haskell's TV Sales and Service, which they owned for 35 years. Through their business, Richard and Mary made friends with virtually every resident of Knox County at one time or another. Richard gained a reputation of requesting payment for services delivered to his customers in the form of pies, breads, or cookies. His many projects included outfitting both the Camden Health Care Center and Rockland Methodist Conference Home with television service for all of their residents, as well as work for the Maine State prison. He was always happy to take the ferry to any of the coastal islands to fix a TV or install an antenna or satellite dish. After closing the business he went to work for Midcoast Internet Service until 2009.

Members of People's United Methodist Church in South Thomaston, Mary and Richard were active members of the church community and treasured the family they found there. Richard was well known for voicing his objections to the sermon in the middle of the service, and served as an unofficial surrogate grandparent to the countless children who were raised in the church over multiple decades.

Richard is survived by his wife, Mary; their son, Ryan and his wife Heather, and their children Sarah and Charlie; his sister, Joanna; sister-in-law, Brenda; brother-in-law, Bill and his wife Chrissie; and an endless string of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m., at People's United Methodist Church, in South Thomaston. Wear bright colors and come prepared with funny stories and memories to share about Richard. Internment will be at the Old German Church Cemetery in Waldoboro in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People's United Methodist church or the charity of your choice.