OWLS HEAD – Richard D. Sukeforth, 84, died unexpectedly Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at his home. Born Dec. 26, 1923, in Rockland, he was the son of Earl H. and Ethel Clarke Sukeforth. He attended Rockland schools and after moving to Belfast, graduated from Crosby High School, Class of 1942. Upon graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, an action he later called the opportunity of his lifetime. As a Marine, he traveled to South Carolina, North Carolina and across the country to San Diego. In San Diego he boarded the Lurline, a former luxury ship and sailed to Asmoa for garrison duty. His travels aboard that vessel took him to Funafuti for supplies, Tarawa and ultimately to Kauai, Hawaii, for rest camp. After visiting Pearl Harbor, they steamed to Guam and then visited Saipan for supplies. From Saipan they steamed to the Philippines to assist Gen. MacArthur’s efforts there. While in the Philippines, the ship was attacked by a kamikaze plane. He arrived in Okinawa in plenty of time to make a D-Day landing on Easter Sunday, which was April 1 or April Fools Day, as Dick always said. The landing was unopposed. He was discharged in December 1945. Dick married Priscilla Joan Hastings, Nov. 9, 1946, in Rockland. He was first employed with A&P grocery and later with Prudential Insurance Co. Most of his career Dick was a guard, training officer and classification officer at the Maine State Prison. After a brief period of retirement, he returned to work with Dunn & Eliott Co., Thomaston and later worked as chief of security with Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Rockport. He enjoyed his work, hunting, fishing, boating and his gardens, but most of all his family, friends and dogs. Often while walking his beloved golden retriever, Decker, he would be accompanied by several other neighborhood dogs, taking a walk with their friend, Dick. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his wife in 2004; and a brother, Earl H. Jr. He is survived by one son, James A. Sukeforth and his wife, Susan Renaccio, of Cambridge, Mass.; two grandchildren, Michael and Casey; his sister, Ruth V.S. Payson of Hope; several nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as his beloved Decker. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. A reception will be after at 104 Limerock St., Rockland. Burial with military honors will be after at Village Cemetery, Erin Street, Thomaston. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Salvation Army Rockland Corps, 27 Payne Ave., Rockland, ME 04841 or Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.