Richard J. Harkins

Scarborough - Richard J. Harkins, 85, of Westbrook, formerly of Buxton and Standish passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after a lengthy illness.

Richard was born in Portland, October 6, 1936 to the late Walter Harkins Sr and Ethel (Trask) Harkins.

He was the last surviving sibling out of 8 children. Richard was a Navy veteran serving on the USS Maloy.

Richard was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Joan in 2013. He is survived by his two children, Terri Gammon & husband, Jeffrey of Buxton; Michael Harkins & wife, Liz of Valley Springs, CA. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Stacey Whitney & husband Brent of Limington, Shauna Ferman of Reno, NV, Magdi Horvath of Roseburg, OR, and James Harkins of Valley Springs, CA, and a great grandson Michelangelo Horvath, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He worked several years at the Hanold Company in Standish, and 20 years working various positions with the Hannaford Store in Gorham before moving to Florida and working security at the Villages Retirement Community where he and Joan lived for several years.

He always had fun playing baseball in the front yard of their Standish home with his son and daughter, occasionally breaking a house window. He umpired many of his son’s little league games. He also enjoyed attending his granddaughter, Stacey’s childhood dance recitals and softball games. Richard was a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Portland and the Standish Lions Club. One of his most rewarding endeavors was being part of small group of people, including his wife, to start the Bonny Eagle Athletic Boosters Club in 1977; becoming a 20 year member, during which time he became President of the Boosters Club for several years. He was excited to be part of the first Bonny Eagle Car Show and remained involved for many years. Always thinking, ‘how much money can we earn for the kids.’ He was honored when the ‘Richard Harkins Scholar Athlete’ scholarship award was created in his name. He will always be remembered for his kindness, his no-nonsense attitude and dry sense of humor.

A graveside service will be held at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made by supporting a local youth sport or a charity of your choice.