KENNEBUNK ME

Richard Gottlieb of Kennebunk, ME passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017. Rich had recently turned 60 years old. He was born in Hempstead, New York, to his loving parents, Edythe and Sheldon Gottlieb. He grew up in the Long Island town of Glen Cove, New York. As a young boy, Rich developed his love for sports; he played hockey, tennis, baseball, and racquetball, but his all time favorite was golf. His passion for golf dates back to his days as a young man when he was a caddy. In recent years he was thrilled to have volunteered at several U.S. Opens.

Loving and loyal, family was Rich’s heart and soul. He shared 34 years of marriage with his wife, Julia. Their children, Peter and Helen, were his absolute pride and joy. A devoted Dad, he never missed an opportunity to be with his kids. He was always ready for a game of catch, a bike ride, or a hike. The simple things - hangin’ out around the campfire, cookouts, walks on the beach, watching the Pats - those were the best.

Rich was a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. The friends he made in his dorm during his freshmen year at WPI in Daniels 3rd have remained his close friends for over 40 years. Rich treasured the annual golf and fishing outings with those buddies.

A civil engineer, Rich’s career took him far and wide. He worked a variety of construction jobs, from Logan Airport to subway tunnels in New York City, from American consulates in Brazil to the oil fields of Indonesia.
Rich and Julia enjoyed living overseas for numerous years, and together they explored the world. Their journey began back in the mid1980’s, when they lived in Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt. Next, they had stints in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, followed by Rabat, Morocco and Sumatra, Indonesia. Wherever he called home, Rich shared his love of music. An avid fan of the Grateful Dead and Little Feat, for Rich, nothing was better than good music accompanied by a good cigar.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Edythe and Sheldon Gottlieb, as well as his father-in-law, George Clark. He is survived by his loving wife, Julia Gottlieb of Kennebunk; a son, Peter Gottlieb of Portland, ME and a daughter, Helen Gottlieb of Kennebunk; he also leaves his loving sister, Lisa Gottlieb, and her husband Stephane Allard, of New Jersey. His extended family, includes his mother-in-law, Mary Clark; brothers-in-law, Timothy Clark, Daniel Clark, and Stephen Tarpy; sisters-in-law Catherine Tarpy and Sherry Reed, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, March 18th, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME. Memorial donations may be made to The Trust for Public Land, The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 321 Port Road, Wells, ME 04090.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Rich’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.