Geoffrey Titherington

Geoffrey Titherington, respected and beloved business leader who dedicated his life to civic service, has died at the age of 80

Geoffrey Titherington of Sanford, Maine died peacefully in the arms of his family on May 23rd 2026 after living courageously with Alzheimer’s for several years.

Born in New York City in 1946 to Dr. John Bisbrowne Titherington and Barbara Ferguson Titherington, Geoff lived on the 6th floor of an apartment building across the street from Columbia Presbyterian, the same hospital in which he was born and where his father was a surgical resident. He loved to play in the park, visit the Natural History Museum and torture the downstairs neighbor – along with his younger brother Greg – with their heavy footsteps.

In 1951, Geoff’s 6th birthday, the family moved to Falmouth. He recalled in his autobiography assignment for freshman English class, “Although I didn’t have a party, I was glad we moved to Maine because we could do many things including have snow fights and build snow forts, climb trees and make treehouses, and have friends run in and out of the house without having someone bang on the pipes or the ceiling.”

As a child Geoff developed the deep sense of community that would guide his life. During his early years, Geoff was involved in Boy Scout Troop 44 in West Falmouth, ME where he reached the Star Scout Rank and was voted into the Order of the Arrow. He had many fond memories of his scouting experiences and the Boy Scout Slogan, “Do A Good Turn Daily” truly reflected how Geoff lived his life.

A National Merit Scholar at Falmouth High School (earning him the nickname ‘Merit’) Geoff went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono, where he studied art and played on the soccer team. He built a life defined not only by a hardworking spirit, but by service to others and a deep investment in his community. Upon graduation in 1969, Geoff moved his young family to Sanford and began his career as General Manager of Shaw’s Ridge Farm, and later founded Titherington Gallery, an Art and Framing store. In 1985, Geoff purchased Bonanza Steakhouse and for over 35 years, the restaurant was a treasured place to gather and eat. Under Geoff’s leadership, Bonanza provided many employment options for the community; for some it was their very first job, for others, via the nonprofit Waban, it was a way to build self confidence and a sense of belonging. Additionally, Geoff provided more than $30,000 dollars in scholarships to kids attending college.

It was Geoff’s commitment to community philanthropy that most defined his heart and his impact. While impossible to name them all, among his many community board positions where he served as chair or president include Kennebunk Savings Bank, Goodall Hospital, Sanford-Springvale chapters of the American Red Cross, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis

Club, and YMCA, the York County Community College, Springvale Public Library and the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford. He has received numerous awards for his service as well, including the Citizen Award from the Rotary Club, recognizing “an outstanding adult who has exhibited a special appreciation for the community and made a significant effort to improve it.”

Geoff was a founding member of the American Legion Baseball team and founding board member of the Sanford Mainers LLC Baseball team. Drawing from Sanford’s rich history in baseball, the group brought America’s favorite pastime back to Sanford’s Goodall Park for the good of the community and to create a legacy for Sanford. He served on their board of directors and managed the concession stand for many years. In 2019, the Mainers and the Town of Sanford dedicated the Goodall Park concession stand to him in honor of his 17 years of service.

He cherished his lifelong friends – and Phi Eta Kappa brothers – Stan, Mac, Kerry, Paul, and George. For over 40 years, the friends owned a log cabin together deep in the Maine North Woods. They would gather to fish, hunt, ski, snowmobile, and argue 3-4 times a year. Geoff was the undisputed cribbage champ and prankster. He never caught a fish though, winter or spring.

Geoff also found great joy in travel, community events, live music, comedy shows, and cheering passionately for UMaine hockey – his license plate proudly reflected his devotion. He and his wife, Rachel, especially enjoyed trips to the Virgin Islands and the many travels connected to Geoff’s civic and community work throughout Sanford, opportunities that allowed them to spend time together while supporting causes and organizations important to them both.

Above all else, Geoff most cherished time spent with his children and their families. Summers around the pool were filled with cannonballs, laughter, wonderful conversation, Dad jokes, playful jabs, and Geoff at the grill serving his world-famous racks of ribs while surrounded by the people he loved most.

Geoff is predeceased by his theatrical and fun-loving younger brother Gregory. He is survived by his wife Rachel Titherington, sister Jeanne Titherington, and 6 children who were lucky to call him Dad: Tiffany Titherington, Tari Pendleton, Tyler Titherington, Randi Blaisdell, Jaimi Titherington, and Kaiti Titherington. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones whose lives were enriched by his humor, generosity and love.

We will miss you and your great hair.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to The Lodges in Sanford as well as to the wonderful Affinity Hospice team, Sally and Bethany, for the loving and gentle care they provided to Geoff in his greatest time of need.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black-Heald & Walker of Sanford, Maine.

A private celebration of life will be held at the end of June in Sanford, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood to the American Red Cross, a cause that Geoff supported throughout his entire life. Additionally, donations to the Sanford Springvale area YMCA and United Way would be appreciated and ensure Geoff’s legacy of supporting his community continues.