HIRAM- Captain Richard H. Norcross, age 78, of Long Island & Hiram Maine, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the Gosnell Hospice Home in Scarborough. Captain Norcross was surrounded by his wife Robin of 45 years, his son Ethan and his granddaughter Nevaeh. Born in the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary on February 24, 1947, to George William Norcross and Lillian Muriel Van Amburg. After completing high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 28, 1967, serving as an armor crewmen, rising to the rank of sergeant until his honorable discharge from service.
Richard was a seasoned mariner, who spent his entire life working on the water, from fishermen to ferry boat captain at Casco Bay Lines, Richard truly loved being on the water. Though Richard was a career Captain at Casco Bay Lines, his first and true love was lobstering on the backshores of Long Island, Maine.
An avid punt builder, it brought Richard great joy building punts in his front yard for the many kids on Long Island. Richard enjoyed spending many hours crafting modeling fishing boats out of balsa wood while listening to the sounds of country music or enjoying a classic John Wayne movie. Richard enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his yearly tomato crops. In his later years, Richard worked with a close family friend, making handmade dog leashes in which he became known for his knot work.
Richard spent his last year dedicating time to his best friend Mark Johnson, granddaughter Nevaeh, wife Robin, and his son Ethan, whom he enjoyed going on drives with, which he knew would take him to his favorite fast-food treat of a McDonald’s Fish Filete and Cheeseburger. Richard enjoyed playing cribbage with his wife Robin, and Monopoly with his son Ethan and granddaughter Nevaeh.
He is Predeceased by the many cats and dogs he loved including Dusty and Dakota.
Captain Richard H. Norcross is survived by his brothers John and Peter, eldest son James of Texas, his close friends Willy and Jim, to name a few, but to Cappy, everyone was a close friend.
Special thanks to the Gosnell House staff for their care and comfort of Captain Norcross, in his final moments. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Southern Maine 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074.
A celebration of life will be held at Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street Cornish Maine on February 4, 2026, at 11:00am. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com