Capt. Richard Lewis Barter

Richard Lewis Barter Sr. (Captain Portland Fire Department Ret.)

Falmouth – Capt. Richard Lewis Barter Sr, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 9, 2023, at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth, ME.

Richard was born in Portland, ME, on September 2, 1931, the son of Philip and Thelma Barter. Richard

met and fell in love with his wife of 69 years, Carolyn J (Sanson) Barter while attending Portland High

School, graduating in 1949. They were married in June 1952. After high school he enlisted in the

US Navy where he completed 4 years of service, stationed in Norfolk Virginia. They then settled in

Portland where they raised their 6 children, moving to Falmouth in 1973.

     He was employed by the City of Portland as a fire fighter, becoming lieutenant in 1967, and

retiring in 1975 as the Captain of the Portland Fire Boat. During retirement, he started his

construction business R.L. Barter & Sons with his sons Richard Jr. and Ronald where they built many

homes and remodeling in the Portland area. Richard enjoyed being a member of the Masons

Deering Lodge #183, the Falmouth Lions Club, and The Elks Club where he served as Exalted Ruler

and District Board Member. He & Carolyn were members of The Poland Springs Country Club

where they enjoyed their summers golfing, and where he got his Hole in One on the sixth hole on

July 17, 1993. They were also proud to be lifetime members of the Italian Heritage Center were

they enjoyed many dances, weekly gin tournaments, and many other club functions.

     Richard leaves behind and will be greatly missed by his four sons, Richard Jr, Donald & wife

Deborah, Ronald & wife Maryann, David & fiancé Elaine Burnell, two daughters Debra Barter & sig.

other Jon Jarrell and Carol-Lynn Grace & sig. other Marc Bissonnette Jr. Nieces Dianne Smiley &

Husband Sam, Denise Russell & husband David, niece Judy Lamoreaux, nephew John Gallagher and

wife Lisa. Richard also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, April, Melissa, Andrew, Steven, Matthew, Megan, and Corey. and 10 great grandchildren, and several great

nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn, his parents, brother Philip Jr., sister Beverly Clark, half-

sisters Gertrude Talbot and Dorothy Plante, sister in-law June Walker, grandson Ryan Barter, and daughter in-law Melanie Barter.

Special thanks to the staff at Sedgewood Commons and Compassus Hospice. Caregivers Rebecca,

Courtney, Toni, Judy, and Jackie, the staff with Home Care Assistance.

Visiting Hours will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 3-5 PM, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home in Portland.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 19 at 1:00PM at the funeral home with a reception to follow. The burial will be held in Blanchard Cemetery in Falmouth on July 12, 2023 at 1:00PM

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Dementia Society of America.

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