Richard Lawrence Charlesworth of Falmouth died at home in the presence of his family on February 29, 2016.

He was born in Orange, New Jersey on July 8, 1923, as the son of Harry Prescott and Anne Barnes Charlesworth. Raised in South Orange, he graduated from Montclair Academy, where he was active in athletics, student council, debating and yearbook.

He entered Princeton University on an accelerated basis in the summer of 1942, and in three years graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Following graduation, he started work for Mack Trucks, Inc. in their engine test laboratory. He specialized in sales engineering design.

While working in Boston, Dick fortuitously met Ann Royal of Winter Park, Florida. They skied together, fell in love and were married in Winter Park in 1951, before settling in Woodstock, Vermont. During his career they also lived in New Haven, Connecticut, Weston, Massachusetts and Loudonville, New York before settling back in Weston for 49 years. He and Ann moved to Falmouth in 2007 to be closer to their children.

Dick had been an officer of his Princeton Class of 1946 for several terms, and arranged a number of local reunions. Among his interests were sailing and cruising in many boats in various waters since his early youth. He enjoyed skiing throughout New England and often spoke of special trips to Switzerland with Ann.

They have been summer residents of Southport, celebrating 50 years in 2012 in the home they built and where he taught his girls how to sail. In his later years, Dick cherished time spent sitting on the deck, while his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren came and went during summer visits.

For several years following their retirement, Dick and Ann conducted an antique toy business devoted to soldiers, miniature garden rarities and similar toys. They were active participants in the related major shows in this country and England.

He was a director of the Princeton Association of New England, an officer of the Boston Power Squadron, a member of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, Boothbay Country Club and past-commodore of Southport Yacht Club. While a member of SYC, he initiated the Sequin Trophy Race in 1968. As director of the National Turnabout Association, he brought the annual junior regatta to SYC in 1967. He also introduced the first O’Day boat, a daysailer, to the yacht club. He proposed building the Junior Yacht Club, determined its design, and negotiated the sale of a small area of yacht club land to commence construction.

He raised four daughters, Susan Haried (John) of Boulder, Colorado, Mary Charlesworth of Cumberland Foreside, Jenny Thomas (John) of Scarborough, and Holly Casner of Portland. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Sarah Haried of Denver, Colorado, Ian Haried of Baltimore, Maryland, Charlie Casner of Orlando, Florida, Liza Casner of South Portland, Charlotte Casner of Dedham, Massachusetts, Jonathan Towbin of Sunrise, Florida, and Elizabeth (Libby) George of Cumberland Foreside; and two great-grandchildren, Richard Casner of Orlando, Florida and Jackson Towbin of Sunrise, Florida.

Dick was predeceased by sister Rosemary Timpson and two brothers, Roger and Robert. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Above all, Dick loved and cherished his family, who are so thankful for all the wisdom, guidance and humor he shared through the years, in particular his desire to foster independence in his four daughters.

A private memorial and burial service are planned.