North Yarmouth, Richard William Brobst Sr. died unexpectedly in North Yarmouth on May 12, 2018. He was born in Summit Hill, Pa. 82 years ago to Hazel (Tait) Brobst and Amandus Brobst. He attended school in Summit Hill. During his senior year in high school, he joined the Naval Reserve. A few months after graduating he went on active duty.
During a tour of duty at Brunswick Naval Air Station, he met Priscilla Foster on a blind date. Six weeks later they were married. He spent 25 years on active duty, serving on The USS Coral Sea, The USS Perkins, The USS Shields, and The USS Milwaukee with an overseas tour in Turkey. His tours of shore duty were in New York City and Brunswick , Maine. During his time at the Naval Recruiting Station in New York City, he was awarded the Navy League New York Council Meritorious Achievement Award for outstanding performance of duty. His medals included the Viet Nam Service Medal (including one bronze star), National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Gallantry Cross, and numerous Good Conduct Awards. He was a plank Owner of the U.S. Navy Memorial.
His last tour of duty returned him to Brunswick Naval Air Station and he and family took up residence in North Yarmouth. Richard became active in the town, joining the fire department and getting licensed as an EMT. He also became the EMA Director and for nine years was a member of the Board of Selectmen. In 2008, the Town Report was dedicated to him. In 2015 he received the North Yarmouth Distinguished Citizen Award.
After retiring from the Navy in 1978, he went to work for what was then New England Telephone Company and was there for 17 years. He twice was awarded the President’s Award For Volunteer Service. He went back to school and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. He was very proud that all members of the family had earned college degrees.
His volunteer work was extensive. He was the town’s representative to the GPCOG, the Pineland Development Authority, and EcoMaine. At the time of his death he was the representative to the CDBG Review Team. He was a Boy Scout leader for 16 years and was District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts in New York and Maine. He earned his Wood Badge. He volunteered at MMC for more than 15 years and was a disaster specialist for the Red Cross, serving at disasters all over the country.
He was a member of the Navy Fleet Reserve Association and was Past Commander and Service Officer of American Legion Post 91. He has been a volunteer at the Retired Affairs Office in Brunswick for the past few years. He was a member of the North Yarmouth Memorial Park Committee.
He was an active member of the North Yarmouth Congregational Church-UCC, serving as Moderator and on many boards and committees. He was a member of the Men’s Club and served as Treasurer for some years. He was very active in the Men’s Club food booth at Cumberland Fair. He was ready and willing to help out whenever a need arose.
He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father; his brothers Harold, Elvin, John, and David; his sisters Margaret Walton. Doris Fattigatti, Martha , Eleanor, Anna Schafer, and Patsy Tini. He is survived by his sister Bette DeVos. He is, also survived by his wife of 59 years; his sons Richard Jr.( Sharon) and Steven (Terry), his daughters Shirley Lake ( Bruce Walters) and Rev. Sara Bartlett ( Jeremiah), his grandchildren Karinne Brobst (Daniel VanderClock), David Lake ( Amanda Clinton), Adam, Erik , and Joshua Brobst, Tristan Bartlett and great-grandson Theodoe VanderClock, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. He loved his family and was deeply loved in return.
For many years Richard had hosted a Tuesday lunch for any members of the family and their friends who could make it. There were many great get-togethers. He will be deeply missed.
Richard particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending their school events and having them help him work in the yard. He was a good and kind man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family wishes to thank the North Yarmouth Fire Department for all their kindness and support during a very difficult time.
The family, also, is very appreciative of Honor Flight Maine that gave Richard the most wonderful experience of his later years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the North Yarmouth Congregational Church, 3 Gray Road, North Yarmouth on Saturday, May 19th at 1:PM. Interment will immediately follow. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the North Yarmouth Congregational Church or Honor Flight Maine, P.O. Box 1770, Portland, Maine 04104-1770.
Please share your stories and condolences at www.lindquist.com .
Arrangements are being handled by the Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18