ROCKPORT — Richard Hammond Dohrmann, 65, died peacefully at his home in Rockport, surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, January 13, 2021, following a courageous three year battle with cancer.  

Born in Bethesda, Maryland, October 2, 1955, Richard was the third child of Elmer and Mary Christensen Dohrmann. The Dohrmann family then moved to Darien, Connecticut for several years, and later to Atherton, California where Richard would spend his middle and high school years. At Menlo School, Richard was an elite baseball and basketball player, eventually being inducted into the Menlo School Hall of Fame for his record-breaking accomplishments. Richard then attended Stanford University, where he played varsity basketball, majored in American studies, and developed a passion for black and white film photography. It was also at Stanford where Richard met his “person,” Debra.

Richard was a lifelong educator, teaching history and coaching basketball at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine, and later at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. At both schools, he was a beloved teacher, coach, mentor and friend to hundreds of students. Former students and colleagues have praised his intelligence, passion for and command of his subject, as well as his kindness, compassion, wit, generosity of spirit, and quiet calm.

Richard was also a lifelong learner. He had many interests, including painting, woodworking, videography, history and art history, music and guitar, reading, politics and sports.

Richard is survived by his wife, Debra Demers Dohrmann; his children Benjamin Dohrmann and wife Katherine, and Anna McIver and husband Matthew; his grandchildren Caleb and Alma McIver; his siblings Susan Moore and husband Thomas, Stephen Dohrmann and wife Diana; his in-laws Kathleen and Charles Demers, as well as his many nieces and nephews. His family was his greatest joy. He will be greatly missed by all.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, memorial gifts should be directed to P.A.W.S Animal Adoption Center, 123 St. John Street, Camden, ME 04843, or Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. His family hopes that any one able to donate blood will do so in his honor. Through the generosity of blood donors, his life was extended by many months. 

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

No services are scheduled at this time.