Richard John Onorato Sr. 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Winship Green Center in Bath on Nov. 20, 2023.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York on Dec. 6, 1937 to John and Elizabeth Zaher Onorato.

Richard grew up near Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, N.Y. where he attended Boys High School.

He was baptized on Jan. 19, 1958 into The Church of Jesus Christ along with his soon-to be wife. On Jan. 28,1958 he married the love of his life Mary Theresa Quinn, they enjoyed nearly 66 years together. Together they were blessed with five children.

The newly married couple fell on lean times and Richard worked at Lee Bed Spring Factory, Waldbaum’s Grocery Store and various other jobs to take care of his family.

After vacationing in Maine with his family, Richard and Mary uprooted life in New York and moved to North Edgecomb, Maine in 1970 and later settled in Wiscasset. He obtained a job at Hannaford Supermarket in Rockland working his way up to assistant store manager and eventually moved on to Shaw’s Supermarket in Bath until his retirement.

Richard was an incredibly organized person. He enjoyed singing and listening to hymns, collecting tapes and historical church information. He also enjoyed the beauty of nature, feeding and watching the birds, decorating the lawn with whimsical themes enlightened with the soft music of wind chimes. He was an avid New York Yankee fan.

Richard wore many hats and his heart was deeply devoted to God. He taught his children strong work ethics and to uphold the values of being obedient to God.

He was instrumental in planting The Church of Jesus Christ in Maine. He was ordained an Elder on May 27, 1973. He was a visionary man and administered to the welfare of his congregation, teaching and preaching the restored gospel for over 50 years. The congregation would often sing his favorite hymns; “Hold the Fort” and “An Angel Came Down.”

His love and loyalty held the fort and has been passed down to his sons who have followed his footsteps both becoming Elders of the Church.

A spirit of rejoicing was felt as he took his last breath here on earth into eternal life. We are ever so thankful and blessed for his steadfastness and his example leading the way to soul salvation.

He is predeceased by his parents John and Elizabeth Zayer Onorato; sisters, Dorothy Calabro, and Marie Perrello; and a grandson Spencer Dyer.

Richard is survived his wife Mary of Wiscasset; sons Richard John, Jr, (Cynthia) of Bowdoin; Darryl (Kathleen) of Brunswick; daughters, Lorraine Kutcher (David) of Meredith, New Hampshire; Susan Dyer (Daniel) of Woolwich and Sharon Wallace (Fernardo) of Brooklyn Park, Maryland; brothers, Robert Onorato of Bristol and Edward Onorato of Boothbay Harbor; twelve grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ 169 Coombs Road Brunswick ME on Dec. 16, 2023 at 1 p.m.