Ret. Lt. Col. Wallace W. Rich, 73, passed away April 19 at MidCoast Senior Health Center in Brunswick.
He was born Jan. 13, 1934 in Portland, the son of Mulford E. and Elsie McCausland Rich.
He attended South Portland schools and was a graduate of Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, class of 1952; Bowdoin College, class of 1956; and received his Masters from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
He married Florence L. Paul in Havertown, Penn. on Dec. 22, 1956.
Mr. Rich served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps for 23 years and was a Vietnam veteran. He earned 10 decorations and medals, including the Navy Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon & Meritorious Unit Commendation.
After retiring from service in 1975, he owned several businesses, including Casey’s Restaurant in Damariscotta.
In 1979, he was elected president of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club. Under his leadership he organized the Damariscotta River Oyster Festival, which became the area’s most successful fundraiser for 15 years. Mr. Rich also led his club to the District Attendance Record three years in a row, thus retiring the Governor’s Trophy.
Throughout his life he was involved in local politics: the Masons, and the JCs. He was particularly proud of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14.
In retirement, he and Flo enjoyed travels to continental Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, New Zealand, and Ireland, and around the mainland United States.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Florence of Harpswell; son, Paul M. Rich and wife Jennifer Mathews of Edgecomb; daughter, Kimberly A. Rich and husband Joseph Habraken of Portland; sister, Elizabeth Rich of New York City, N.Y.; and two granddaughters.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Tues., April 24 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick, with the Rev. Ron McLaughlin officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10006.
Mr. Rich’s life tribute can be viewed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
