KEARSLEY, Richard Bitere (Rich)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, December 28, 2011 Richard Bitere Kearsley, Jr., "Rich," 56, of Kennebunk, died on Friday, December 23, 2011 at Maine Medical Center in Portland following a sudden illness. He was born in Boston, MA on May 17, 1955, a son of Richard Bitere Kearsley, Sr., and Nancy (Conlin) Kearsley. He grew up in Norwell, MA, graduating from Norwell High School. He earned a bachelors degree in Biology from University of Rhode Island. He participated in Operation Sail '76 aboard the Regina Maris, sailing from Piraeus, Greece to New York City. In the early 80's, he completed the program at the Landing Boat School in Arundel, Maine. Following graduation he worked for George Patten at Kittery Point Yacht Yard and later worked for Gordon Merrick as a cabinetmaker. In 1997 he graduated from Northeastern University Law School and went to work as an attorney at Maine Title Company. In 2003, he helped his sister build Strong Arm Bindery, a bookbinding studio in Portland. At the time of his death, he was employed by FedEx. Rich and Kathy were happily married and were blessed with three wonderful children. He was a thoughtful husband and very involved with all aspects of family life. He was a great cook, loved camping and music; he could make anything, was endlessly curious, and was extremely proud of his family. Survivors include his loving wife of 24 years, Kathleen Kearsley of Kennebunk; his daughter, Sarah Kearsley of Kennebunk; two sons, Richard Kearsley III of Lyman, and Brian Kearsley of Kennebunk; his brother, Michael Kearsley and his wife Lisa of Flagstaff, AZ; three sisters, Ann Kearsley of Portland, ME, Jeanne Kearsley of San Francisco, CA, and Martha Kearsley of Portland, ME; and two nephews, Ian and Jak Kearsley of Flagstaff, AZ. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and his dog Smokey. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at Maine Medical Center Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for their professional and extraordinarily kind care during Rich's illness. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Martha's Church, Route One, Kennebunk. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.