Richard B. Harden Jr., 77, passed away on January 9, 2025 at Exeter Hospital after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on August 21, 1947 in Rockland, Maine, the son of the late Richard B. Harden Sr. and Erleen (Cates) Harden. He was a much-loved athlete, artist, veteran, friend, son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
A resident of Fremont, NH for the last 8 years, Richard, known as “Rick” or “Ricky” to his friends and family, grew up in the seaside town of Rockland, Maine, where he forged many strong friendships that lasted his whole life. He attended Rockland High School where he loved being part of the Rockland Tigers football team and graduated in 1965.
He then went to Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in May of 1969. Just a month later, he married his high school sweetheart, Lucy who he would spend the next 55 years with. After graduation, he entered the Merchant Marines whose ships were sent to Vietnam. After 1 year he then joined the U.S. Navy and served for 4 years until he joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he would serve for over 20 years before retiring as a Commander in 1992. He also formerly resided in New York City, Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, and finally New Hampshire.
Rick was employed for many years by Marine Safety Consultants where he assisted with the “Big Dig” tunnel project in Boston, Mass. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Pease Retired Military Golf League. He also volunteered as a Pease Greeter. In addition to golf, Richard enjoyed many outdoor activities including boating and skiing.
Several years ago, he purchased his beloved Corvette, which had been a long-time dream of his. He loved to cruise around with Lucy, listening to Golden Oldies, and soaking in the sights.
He is survived by his wife, Lucy L. (Torfason) Harden of Fremont, NH; 2 sons, Christopher Harden and his wife Ashlee of The Woodlands, TX, and Jack Harden of Kittery, ME; his daughter Jill Backman and her husband Andrew of Newfields, NH; 8 grandchildren, Jarrod, Jordan, Cailin, Chase, Avery, Quinn, Milo, and Zeke; his brother Donald Harden and his wife Kathy Leavis; an aunt, an uncle, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 2-5 PM with Military Honors being presented at 5 PM, at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH. A celebration of life will be held in Rockland, Maine, in July.
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Latest Eight Bells
- Charles L. Hooper ’56Charles Lee Hooper, 90, of Gales Ferry, passed away peacefully Sunday Sept. 21, 2025, at his residence. Charles was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Biddeford, Maine to Verner Ethelbrick Hooper and Louise Mildred Wilcox Hooper. He married Nancy Ann Clair April 23, 1960. She preceded him in death May 23, 2021. After graduating from Maine […] The post Charles L. Hooper ’56 appeared first on Alumni.
- Arthur F. Wardwell, Jr. ’58Captain Arthur F. Wardwell Jr. “Sonny”, age 88, of San Diego, California and Castine, Maine, passed away peacefully at his home on July 10th, 2025 keeping his last watch over San Diego Harbor. Art was born on March 13th, 1937 in Bangor Maine, the youngest child of Arthur F. Wardwell and Mildred “McMahone” Wardwell. He attended Bangor […] The post Arthur F. Wardwell, Jr. ’58 appeared first on Alumni.
- David J. Wade ’67North Andover – David James Wade, 81, of Wolfeboro, NH, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia. He was the beloved husband of Clara (Chambers) Wade, with whom he shared many cherished years. David was the son of the late N. Kenmure and Ruth Wade. Born in Lynn, MA, […] The post David J. Wade ’67 appeared first on Alumni.
- Capt. Gregory G. Smith ’11Capt. Gregory Granville Smith, 36, of Portland, passed away on Aug. 24, 2025. He was born in Portland on Dec. 5, 1988, the son of Mark Smith and Joan Abbott, a brother to Meaghan Catherine Smith, and the loving partner of Sydney Richard. He is also survived by his stepmother, Amy Clements; step-siblings James MacKinnon, […] The post Capt. Gregory G. Smith ’11 appeared first on Alumni.
- Capt. Nicholas E. Salata ’68Nicholas (Nikk) Edward Salata passed away peacefully at his home in North Berwick, Maine on Aug. 6, 2025, with his family by his side. He was 79 years old. Born July 8, 1946, at Saint Andrew’s Hospital in Boothbay Harbor to Nickolas Salata of Hamtramck, MI and Gwendolyn Brackett of Boothbay Harbor. Nikk’s early childhood […] The post Capt. Nicholas E. Salata ’68 appeared first on Alumni.
- Fenton R. McAvoy ’53Fenton R. “Dude” McAvoy, 92, of East Hartford, CT and formerly of East Millinocket, ME, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 with his family by his side at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT. He was the loving husband of 52 years of the late Ann Marie (O’Mara) McAvoy. Born in Millinocket, Maine on January […] The post Fenton R. McAvoy ’53 appeared first on Alumni.