Richard W. Sarle

Kensington, NH---Richard W. Sarle, Sr., 94 died peacefully at home on Tuesday June 28, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born on September 20, 1921 in Providence, R.I. He was the son of Percy and Edith (McIntosh) Sarle. The family moved to Rumford, Me when he was 2 yrs. old. He attended grade school there and graduated from Stephens High School in 1940. He went on to Brown University and graduated with an Engineering Degree in 1943. Shortly after graduation, he became a commissioned officer in the Navy with a specialty in navigation. He served during World War II on the USS Edwards Destroyer 619 in the Pacific theatre. After the service, he moved back to Rumford. In 1949 married Marion (Wright). They were married for 54 years until Marion’s death in 2003. In Rumford, he worked for the Oxford Paper Co. for 25 years. Then he became the engineer/director of the Lewiston Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority, helping to build the facility from the ground up. He retired in 1987, but didn’t stop working. He and Marion owned & operated Auburn Travel Service in Auburn, ME and Saco Tour and Travel in Saco, ME for 25 years. This gave them the opportunity to do one of their favorite things, travel around the world.

Richard was very proud of one of his early accomplishments. He was a Boy Scout and earned their highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow.

He was a Life Member of the Eastern Star Pine Cone Chapter in Auburn and the Mt. Zircon Chapter in Rumford. He served as Worthy Patron 2 times. He was also a Life Member of the Masons and served as Master Mason. He was a Member of the Scottish & York Rites and the Shriners Kora Temple.

He was a life member of the American Legion, as well.

He had many special interests and hobbies. He loved to paint, water ski, snow ski, sail, and play golf. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots. On winter weekends, he had a great time being a National Ski Jumping Judge. He even was a referee for the jumping in the 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid.

For years, Richard and Marion traveled once a year to the USS Edwards reunions with shipmates. After Marion’s passing, his grandson Todd would join him on these trips. He served as President of the gathering for 2 years. They hosted the reunion in Boston.

When he moved to Kensington, he took up a new hobby of playing Bingo with his daughter each week at the Kensington American Legion.

He is predeceased by his wife, Marion and his younger brother Alan.

He is survived by his daughter, Gloria Lariviere and her husband, Phil of Kensington, NH, son Richard Sarle, Jr. of Rumford, ME, brother Rodney Sarle of Brunswick, ME, grandson Todd Lariviere and his wife Shelley, of Haverhill, MA, grandsons, Richard Sarle III in the Navy, Benjamin Sarle of Rumford, ME and Kevin Sarle in the Army, special friend of the family, Pat Rea of Auburn, ME, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer condolences by visiting Richard’s online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Richard’s name to the American Legion Post #105, 195 Amesbury Road, Kensington, NH 03833. A service of the Fortin Group/Plummer and Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St. Auburn, Maine 04210.