Chester Earl Rich
July 25, 1950 ~ November 11, 2023
Resided in:
Portland, Maine
Portland - Chester Rich, 73, passed away on November 11, 2023. He was born on July 25, 1950, the son of Helen A. Wolf and Roger L. Rich.
Chester was known for his happy-go-lucky spirit and was loved by all who knew him. A good-hearted person, Chester enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding. He was a loving individual who left a lasting impact on those around him.
Chester was predeceased by his parents and brother George Rich.
He is survived by wife Mary Rich of Scarborough, his children Chester “Young Chet” McNamara, Chris Rich, Rocco Leo III, and Joanne Leo. Chester is also remembered by his grandchildren Zach Rich, Cody McNamara, Logan Plummer, Daniel Edward Yates, Jacob Holmes, Julia Gordon, Brooklyn Leo, Christine Leo, and great-grandsons Daniel Yates Jr. and Lelane Rich. He is also survived by his niece, Jennifer Kuntz, who provided tremendous help to Chester over the last several years.
Chester is fondly remembered by his sisters Francine Eagle, Helen Lappin, Estelle Pagano, Ruby Peterson, and brothers Leon Rich and Fred Thomson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, November 16, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland.
Arrangements are under the direction on Conroy- Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. To view Chester's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Saint Joseph's Rehabilitation & Residence, 1133 Washington Ave. Portland 04103.
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Chester and I spent our first year of school on Chebeague Island where we had deep roots. Although I was only 5 I have never forgotten Chester. In fact I even searched for him on the internet and almost reached out. I wish I had. I have a photo of us with Danta in the church and pics of him at Vacation Bible School. I am so sorry for the families loss. I will always remember that kind little boy. And will also remember how sad I was when his dad was lost at sea. His dads name is ou Chebeagues toll of the sea memorial.
I remember going rollerskating and hanging out on the Prom. Old hobo jungle they called it. You were always full bore no matter what you were doing. I remember us 13-14 and using our homemade skateboards.(metal wheels) at Payson park hill. I’m so happy you kids got to be together. The last time I seen all you kids was 1959-60. May you always know I loved us messing around. Chet……your a special breed! May the Lord give you rest & piece. I love you cousin, and I hope see ya in the “Sweet Bye & Bye. Jimmy
We’re cousins
I love you Uncle Chet and will Forever miss you !
Chet was such a selfless man and always looked out for everyone, always made sure everyone was okay and taken care of !
LOVING, CARING, PROUD FATHER AND A FAMILY MAN !
Uncle Chet you will forever be missed and loved ! I remember as a young kid going fishing with you and Chris and how much you loved the outdoors and being a Dad !! I love you Uncle Chet, until we meet again Fly High !
Mary, Chris, Chet, Rocco, Joanne and all who loved Chet,
I am so sorry for your loss. Chet was such a funny man. He was quick-witted, kind and always willing to help out. He was very down to earth.
He was an Uncle and Godfather to my Daughter, Rebecca Adams.
I knew Chet for 50 years and have so many wonderful memories.
Please know that I share in your grief.
May you find comfort in one another and in the memories you shared.
God Bless You all. Big hugs.
Funny, kind, witty
Rest in peace.. You will live on in those of us, you leave behind. Big hugs.
He was a hard working man. Spent most of his life commercial fishing and he never met a stranger. He loved his family and friends and was loyal.
He was my Daughter’s Godfather and Uncle.
He was genuine
Thank you for the memories. Rest in peace.
There are so many, but the one that comes to mind is:
A bunch of us went to the movies decades ago, at the Nickelodeon Theater, it was a scary movie, as it got really intense, Chet yelled out “Get your hands off me”. A little bit later in the movie, there was a scene where they had someone tied to a board on a stretching machine and were stretching the person. Body limbs were being ripped off, this time Chet yelled out, ” For Christ sakes, pull yourself together”. He was hilarious.
Being real
With kindness
He was laid back, easy going, funny and kind.
He was a good human being!
His ability to overcome adversity.
Out going, laid-back ,resourceful and FUNNY.
Family & friends.
I met Chet around 1971 or 72, he always had a come back for anything and everything. I remember the day his Son, Chris was born and how proud he was.
Every time I saw him and even just thinking about him.
Fishing both commercial and for relaxation. Any thing outdoors.
Oh my goodness, its been YEARS but I wanted to extend my condolences to all of you. I am so sorry. I remember all of you on Park Street and at that time we were such good friends but time has separated us. Just know that I think of you often and remember back at times! He too was a great friend and one time boyfriend. I will never forget your family. Helen we shared many childhood moments as well as you Francene!! You were the one that introduced me to Long Island and June as well! I get the Press Herald Obits and for this reason I am very glad I do. God bless all of you and again I am so sorry but brighter days will be coming..I have lost every brother and both Mom and Dad also. Love to all of you