Richard A. Lutes Sr. of Wiscasset, born Oct. 10, 1940, died Oct. 7, 2021.

Dick was raised in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was one of five children of Charles and Pauline Lutes. His had a strong work ethic and urge to learn; he worked as a commercial fisherman, boatbuilder, jet engine mechanic, Boeing Aircraft and many other occupations that involved creating with his hands.

Dick had some extreme hobbies. Earlier skydiving, scuba diving and fishing. Later in life woodworking, collecting records and trapping. The sea called Dick all of his life. As a merchant marine, he sailed on many ships including some bound for South Vietnam. As a sailor, he started training for Underwater Demolition Team at Coronado, California. Physical limitations prevented his completion.

He was assigned to the airframes maintenance field and promptly shipped to South Vietnam. In Vietnam he volunteered for the black berets on the Patrol Boat River in the Mekong and Perfume River. He assisted with sniper, marine and army support as a sniper and machine gunner on the patrol boats. Returning from Vietnam he served as a military fire chief, office of inspector general, aviation maintenance inspector, enlisted aviation maintenance leader for many aircraft carriers.

Eventually Dick retired and returned to Maine and kept his hands busy as operating crew for Bath Iron Works. Commercial fishing of tuna and lobster, carpentry, trapping and record collecting.

Dick was predeceased by his mother, Pauline (Hamel) Lutes and father, Charles Lutes.

He is survived by Nancy (Harding) his wife of 59 years; siblings, Jacqueline, Robert, Carol and Keith; sons, Richard and Steven; grandchildren, Heather, Steven Jr., Ashley, Megan, Emily, Samantha and Jennifer; and many great-grandchildren.

A life celebration has been for planned for Saturday, Oct. 16 between 1 and 4 p.m., with military honors at 2 p.m., at 95 Lowelltown Road, Wiscasset.

Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com