Obituary: Zoeth L. Rich II

 Zoeth L. Rich II PORTLAND – Zoeth L. Rich II, beloved husband, father, and “Pa,” passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Maine Medical Center, surrounded by his family after complications from heart disease. Born and raised on Long Island, Maine, Zoeth found his calling early, on the water. He dedicated more than 35 years to the fishing industry, spending the majority of those years as a captain. The ocean wasn’t just his livelihood; it was his home and the place where he was most himself. To many, he was simply “Skipper,” a name that suited him long before he ever held a captain’s wheel. After retiring from fishing, he brought that same steady, problem-solving nature to a new chapter, working alongside his daughter Leah in the family property management business for nearly 20 years. The calm decisiveness that served him at sea translated naturally to shore, the mark of a hard working man. Zoeth graduated from Portland High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. He raised his two children together with his devoted wife Karen in Falmouth, before returning to Long Island where they spent 25 years. At home, he found endless joy in Chaz and Benny, his two dogs who the family lovingly call “the puppies” regardless of their age. They were his faithful companions and brought a smile to his face every single day. To those who knew him, he was defined not by titles or accomplishments, but by character: caring, kind, funny, gentle, and always made everyone around him feel at ease. A close friend said it best: “Zoeth was a rock we could all depend on. The epitome of a man. True blue, steadfast and loving. The world is a lesser place without him.” He is survived by his beloved wife Karen of 48 years; his son Zodie and wife Jillian (Dougherty) Rich and their daughters Adilyn and Maizie; his daughter Leah and husband Tim Hand and their children Graden, Livia, and Beckham, five grandchildren who knew him simply as Pa, the best kind of name a man can earn. He is also survived by his sister Cherylene (Rich) Turnbull and husband Robert; and his brother Douglas Rich and wife Tina. He was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Jean Rich. The ocean will be a little quieter without him. A celebration of life will be held at DiMillo’s on Thursday, June 11 from 1-4 p.m. Copy the Story Link