WARREN — Richard E. “Dick” Sprowl, 87, of Warren died December 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Warren. Richard was born October 1, 1937, in Rockland to Earl M. and Linnibel Grant Sprowl.

Like many rural people in those days, Richard was raised on a family farm on Appleton Ridge where they had gardens, cows, pigs, and chickens. Earl and Richard grew and each fall delivered potatoes to schools and local markets. Displaying leadership early on, Richard was voted captain of the basketball team his senior year, served as Class President, and graduated as valedictorian of Appleton High School in the class of 1956. He cherished his times with special cousins, Artie Sprowl and Betty Heal Lowell.

After graduation, Richard worked at Sprowl Brothers Lumber in Searsmont. In 1959 he started working at Bath Iron Works as a pipefitter. He completed the apprenticeship program, becoming Leadman and served many years as Assistant Foreman. Richard retired from BIW in 1995 after 36 years.

In May of 1955, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Jane Esancy. In 1957, Richard and his wife, Jane, moved to Warren where they raised their family of five children.

Despite long hours at work and commuting, Richard’s focus always remained on his family and community involvement. From baseball player for the town league, Little League coach, to Volunteer Firefighter, Richard served the Town of Warren for over 50 years. The Town of Warren honored him with a dedication of the 2019 Annual Town Report for his exemplary commitment to public service. Richard joined the Fire Department in 1957, where he worked his way up the ranks, serving in the position of Assistant Chief from 1982 to 1999, when he became Captain. In 2008, he was named Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year. Richard served as Captain until 2017 and remained in service to the department as a Life-Time Fire Responder. Richard was also a proud member of St. George Masonic Lodge 16 in Warren where he was a past master of the lodge. He was also an active member of the Rockland Elks Club, where he volunteered calling at Beano every week, and in 2014 was honored as their Elk of the Year.

In his free time Richard and his wife, Jane, enjoyed life at their cottage on Sennebec Lake which was built by Richard’s grandfather Arthur. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and golfing there. An avid Red Sox fan, you would often see Richard watching or listening to the game.

Richard was a humble and giving man, willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, but never asking for anything in return. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Richard was predeceased by his daughter Barbara Lynne Dyer; and his loving wife of 68 years, Jane Sprowl.

Richard is survived by his sons, Richard Dean Sprowl and his love Nicole LaBranche of Liberty, Larry Sprowl and his wife Jessica of Chesapeake, Virginia, Michael Sprowl and his love Emily of Appleton; daughter Debra Ripley and her husband Daren of Warren; 12 grandchildren: Sean Sprowl of Gardiner, Eric Sprowl of Randolph, Matt Dyer of Scarborough, Kyle Pratt of Friendship, Danielle Jandreau of Mt. Vernon, Isaac Sprowl of Limington, Amanda Simko of Hope, Amanda LaBelle of North Haven, Hannah Hill of North Haven, Ethan Thorndike of Chesapeake, Virginia, Ava Sprowl of Appleton, Sylas Ripley of Warren; and 15 great grandchildren.

Friends are welcome to join the family on January 2, 2025, for a time of visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., with a masonic service at 6:30 p.m., at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro.

A service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held January 3, at 2 p.m., at the Second Congregational Church, 252 Main Street, Warren, with a reception to follow.

Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Appleton.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Waldoboro. Condolences may be shared with the family at hallfuneralhomes.com.