ROCKLAND – Richard D. Steeves, 73, passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2015, with his wife by his side, following an extended illness at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland on March 14, 1942, he was the son of Charles S. and Edna R. (Lathrop) Steeves. Richard attended local schools. He married Judith A. Richards of Rockland, where they also made their home, raised their four children and were married for 53 years.

Richard made his career at National Sea Products in Rockland, where he worked until the closing of the plant. After his retirement, he enjoyed being active in the fishing community working near and on the water doing what he loved.

In his earlier years Richard attended the Nazarene Church in Rockland and drove the Sunday school bus. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking holiday meals for his family. Trips to Niagara Falls, Florida and Alaska were wonderful times for him as well. Richard was always willing to help anyone in need. He was also proud of his family and loved spending time with them, including his grandchildren, who referred to him as “Pa.”

Richard was pre-deceased by his parents; along with 13 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Judith; his sons, Richard D. Steeves Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, Steven J. Steeves and his wife, Rada Valkova, Jamie L. Steeves and his fiancée, Joanne Campbell; his daughter, Jennifer J. Gillespie and her husband, Uriah; his siblings, John Skinner, Ruth Kight, Priscilla Lundevall, Frederick Steeves and his wife, Nancy, Alaide Hopper and her husband, James, Leslie Steeves, and Wayne Steeves and his wife, Carla; six grandchildren, Rebecca, Kevin, Ashley, Autumn, Amber and Gardner; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Achorn Cemetery on Old County Road in Rockland.