Richard W. Winchester passed away on December 16, 2025, just two weeks after his 80th birthday.

Born on December 2, 1945, in New Haven, Connecticut, Richard was the son of Thelma Winchester (Quirk). When he was a young boy, his mother married James Quirk, who became a loving and steady presence in Richard’s life.

Richard graduated from Lubec High School in Lubec, Maine, with academic and athletic honors. His high school years were spent on the basketball court and with his best friend and fellow trouble-rouser, Joe Morrison.

Following high school, he married Lynn Murray and became a father with the birth of his son, Richard W. Marshall. In recent years, father and son enjoyed so much quality time together, sharing projects and forging lifelong bonds.

In his early twenties, the lure of new places and a chance to earn some money led Richard and his friend Joe to Massachusetts. Off they went to the big city to work for Industrial Pump and Tank. One of those jobs took them to the Esso Station in Searsport, Maine. Seeking lodging for a two-day assignment in Searsport, Richard and Joe checked in to the Yardarm Motel. The rest is history: A 50-cent wager between the motel’s owner and the waitress, Avis Sarnacki, proved to be the best bet she ever accepted in her life.

Avis and Richard celebrated 53 years of marriage on August 19, 2025. Together, they created a life rooted in hard work, love, and partnership. Having begun as a household of three (including a much-loved Golden Retriever, Duncan), in March 1982, a beautiful daughter, Megan Kiley, was welcomed to complete their family. Richard and Avis built four beautiful family homes, traveled in the U.S. and abroad, motorcycled and camped, and sailed and boated on Penobscot Bay. So many of their adventures, near and far, included longtime friends Donnie and Linda Durkee.

“The Grape,” as Richard was named and known by his Circle Jerk ski buddies, had many Monday slopeside adventures at Sunday River with Searsport friends. One friend, Charlie, wrote a poem in honor of his 50th birthday, which has held true for many years; While his choice of drink and recreation would evolve with the passing of time, Richard’s devotion to friends and family and his vibrant approach to life remained unchanged.

Richard owned a painting contracting business for more than thirty years, traveling all over New England with a crew of a dozen dedicated employees. When he retired from Winchester Painting, he worked for Larry Jones of Whitecap Builders until his second retirement. Not one to sit still, Richard never really hung up his paint brush or hammer, continuing to help friends and neighbors realize building projects right up to the time of his departure from us.  

Richard served as President of the Waldo County Riding and Driving Club for several years and thoroughly enjoyed cooking the red hotdogs and burgers in the Cook Shack—as well as giving away popsicles and candy bars to all the children. He loved children, especially his granddaughters Brooklyn and Averie who spent important formative years on the family compound he built on Andrew Lane. Richard was filled with joy watching Brooklyn’s love for horses grow as she became an accomplished young rider and was proud to buy her first horse, “Ice Ice Baby,” having sold his favorite pearl-white Harley. Averie and her Papa had a special bond and deep love: From her birth, she was his constant companion—feeding and watching the birds, riding on the big tractor, driving the Gator, eating clams, and going to hardware stores and Wasses.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma “Toot” Quirk, and stepfather, James Quirk. He is survived by his beloved wife, Avis; his sister-in-law and chosen first daughter, Bobbi Johnson, and her husband Bruce; his daughter Megan, granddaughters Brooklyn and Averie, and step-grandson Jaiden; his son Richard Marshall, and granddaughters Kimberly, Rebecca, and Tiffany; as well as dear friends Donnie and Linda Durkee of Islesboro, Joe Morrison of Whiting, and countless other close friends and loved ones. Everyone loved Richard. His bright smile, big heart, gentle strength, and genuine, caring ways will be remembered always.

A celebration of life, “Richard-Style,” will be held at the last home he built and loved at 9 Andrew Lane, Belfast, on July 18, 2026, with details to follow when summer arrives.

Those wishing to honor Richard may donate in his memory to the Belfast Ambulance, Fire, and EMS; Life Flight of Maine; or Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com