Richard Webster Sweetser Sr.

Richard “Dick” Sweetser Sr., age 90, died peacefully on October 11, 2016. Dick was the wonderful husband of Constance “Connie” Sweetser. He was born in Portland, Maine, on September 10, 1926, the 3rd child of Herman and Phyllis Sweetser of Cumberland Center, Maine.

Dick graduated from Greely Institute in Cumberland Center, Maine. He served in the US Army during World War II, and then went on to the University of Maine at Orono. He married his college sweetheart, Constance Lincoln, on June 30, 1951. He went to work at SD Warren Company, starting in the wood yard and retiring 35 years later as a purchasing agent in the Engineering Department.

While working at SD Warren, Dick and Connie also operated Sweetser’s Apple Barrel & Orchards. Dick and Connie worked tirelessly for many years planting new apple trees and running the roadside market. Their son Greg, 5th generation Sweetser, currently operates the business. They were members of the Northeast Apple Society, which combined the love of growing apples and the love of skiing.

Connie and Dick spent many pleasant winters at their camp in Locke Mills and skied Mt Abram. Their love of skiing and travel, took them on many trips around the country as well as the world.

Dick was very active in community affairs including Captain of Engine 5 of the Cumberland Fire Department, first Captain of the Cumberland Rescue Unit, and one of the first EMTs in the Town of Cumberland. He was a member of the Lions Club, The Cumberland Congregational Church, Sigma Chi Fraternity, served on the Cumberland School board, and was a member of the Maine Pomological Society.

Dick was very proud of his wife and family. He is survived by his dearly loved wife Connie Sweetser, their children and spouses: Rick and Linda Sweetser, Cumberland Center, Maine; Greg Sweetser, Cumberland Center, Maine; and Cathy Sweetser and Jock Moore, Beaver Cove, Maine. Grandchildren: Sam and Erin Sweetser, Park City, Utah; Eben Sweetser, Orono, Maine; Carrie Shamos and Vinny Pasquali, Raymond, Maine; and Stephanie and Matt Riley, and great-granddaughter Ava Riley, Taunton, Massachusetts. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a very special daughter-in-law, Debby Freeman; his parents, Herman and Phyllis Sweetser; and his siblings, Elizabeth “Betty” Baxter, and Philip Sweetser.

We will all miss seeing Dick on the side porch surveying his beloved homestead.

There will be a celebration of Dick’s life at the Cumberland Congregational Church in Cumberland, 282 Main Street, Cumberland Center, Maine, on Sunday, October 23, at 1 PM. After the service there will be visiting and a reception at the Church. All are welcome to join the Sweetser Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:

The Cumberland Fire Department

366 Tuttle Road

Cumberland Center, Maine 04021;

Cumberland Historical Society

PO Box 82

Cumberland Center, Maine 04021;

or Ski Museum of Maine

PO Box 359

Kingfield, Maine 04947.

Arrangements under the direction of Lindquist Funeral Home, Yarmouth, ME.