Richard T. Towle-Whitten
December 7, 1974 to February 24, 2026

Richard T. Towle-Whitten passed away on February 24, 2026, of natural causes, leaving behind a silence the world simply is not used to. If you did not see him coming, you definitely heard him. And if you heard him, chances are you laughed, whether you meant to or not.

Richard was born on December 7, 1974, in Portland, Maine. He grew up in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School in 1993. He most recently Resided in Old Orchard Beach.

Rick lived loudly, boldly, and unapologetically. At 17, while most teenagers were figuring out which direction to row, Rick was already out on a lobster boat, beginning a lifelong love/hate affair with the fishing industry. What started with salt spray and bait buckets turned into a remarkable career that carried him through building JBR Maine, from the ground up and ultimately landing as Vice President of Nova Seafood. He never forgot where he started, and he made sure everyone else knew it, too.

Rick was unfiltered in a way that was both shocking and refreshing. You always knew exactly how he felt, even when you did not want to. Loyalty meant everything to him, and if you were in his circle, you were in for life. He was generous to a fault, determined that everyone around him have a good time, whether they were ready for it or not. Brutally honest, strong willed, adventurous, and wonderfully unhinged, Rick did not just enter rooms, he took them over.

A walking encyclopedia with his own colorful footnotes, Rick knew a little and often a lot about just about everything. He especially loved sharing his history lessons with his nieces and nephew, accurate, passionate, and occasionally revised according to Rick.

He found joy in the simple pleasures, lounging in the sun, people watching at Old Orchard Beach, passionately supporting Patriots Nation, and keeping up with anything and everything related to Barstool Sports. An avid podcast listener and master storyteller, he could hold an audience captive for hours. And if you ever heard him sing along to Frank Sinatra, you know he did so with the confidence of a headliner on center stage.

Rick was predeceased by his father, Richard Whitten, Grandparents; Harry and Anne Whitten, and Ed Towle.

He is survived by his mother, Denise Whitten, his brother, Matthew Whitten, and his three children, Kaylee, Ashley, and Blake, who adored their Uncle Ricky and his unforgettable lessons on life. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Joann Towle, and his best friend and business partner, Brittany Willis, along with her son, Aiden Willis. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. To all of them, he was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and deeply loved.

Rick lived exactly how he wanted, full volume, full throttle, and full heart. The world may be a little quieter without him, but somewhere we are sure he is still telling stories, singing Sinatra, and setting the record straight.

In his honor, Be bold. Be honest. Be authentically yourself. And above all, make sure everyone is having a good time.

A Celebration of life will be held at Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth on Sunday, March 15th from 1-4pm.

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