Richard “Rick” Louis Wakely

SOUTH PORTLAND – Richard “Rick” Louis Wakely, 73, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2025.

Rick devoted more than 30 years to the Portland Press Herald, where he worked as an editor, designer and graphic designer. In his later years, he helped maintain pressherald.com as Maine’s leading source for news, known for his clear writing, creativity and dedication to accuracy.

Earlier in his career, Rick held editing and design positions at The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Pittsburgh Press and the Carlisle Evening Sentinel. He earned numerous awards for excellence in design and informational graphics.

A graduate of West Virginia University, Rick also studied fine arts at the University of Pennsylvania. He was an avid learner, a fixer-upper and tinkerer who loved home projects, reading and keeping up with science and current events. An enthusiastic swimmer, he completed the Peaks to Portland swim for several years.

Rick is survived by his son, Nathaniel Wakely; siblings Robert Steven, Mary Elaine (James Stull), Janet Lee (Ronald Donhardt), John Alan (Hareena) and Patricia Ann; his close friend Suzanne Woodward; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert A. Wakely and Edith Vissman Wakely.

He was deeply loved by his family and friends, who will remember him for his one of a kind intelligence, humor and generous spirit.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be scheduled for a later date.