Ross Maddocks, a lifelong sailor, devoted husband and father, decorated United States Navy veteran, harbormaster, storyteller, and beloved friend to many, passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2026, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, where he had received loving care for the final five years of his life.

Ross was born Nov. 4, 1938, although Nov. 5, 1938, was the date recognized by the United States Navy. He was the son of Harmon Roscoe Maddocks and Catherine Grace (McLaughlin) Maddocks and grew up in Boothbay Harbor, where the ocean and the community around it would become lifelong parts of who he was. He was the younger of twin brothers, arriving just one minute after his brother, Sewall T. Maddocks. He was also very close to his older sister, Audrey Robinson.

From an early age, Ross was an adventurer. A Boy Scout by nature, he earned numerous Scout medals and developed a love of the outdoors that remained with him throughout his life. As a boy, he enjoyed spending time with his older brother, crossing the family-built footbridge across the harbor and visiting their father's potato chip plant on the east side of the harbor. He loved the water and spent several seasons as a deckhand aboard the schooner Blue Dolphin. He also enjoyed being aboard his parents' award-winning race boat, which carried the family throughout New England.

Ross was a member of the first graduating class of Boothbay Region High School in 1956, graduating from the newly constructed school. That same graduating class was given a memorable opportunity when its students were cast as extras in the filming of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical “Carousel.” Those who watch closely—and know where to look—can still catch glimpses of Ross and his brother in the film.

Only months after graduating, Ross began what would become a remarkable 31-year career in the United States Navy. On Oct. 30, 1956, with his naval documents in hand, he reported for duty by boarding a train in Wiscasset to Union Station in Portland, where he boarded another train bound for the U.S. Naval Training Center at Bainbridge, Maryland.

His naval career carried him around the world, serving at numerous duty stations in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Hawaii, South Carolina, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Philippines, Guam, Scotland, California, and finally Maine. His assignments included Mineman "A" School in Yorktown, Virginia; Naval Air Stations at Whidbey Island, Washington, and Barbers Point, Hawaii; the USS Kearsarge; numerous Mobile Mine Command and training assignments; Yokosuka, Japan; Subic Bay in the Philippines; Vietnam; Guam; Scotland; Seal Beach, California; and, ultimately, Naval Air Station Brunswick.

Among the most significant chapters of Ross's military career was his service in Vietnam. As captain of a PBR—Patrol Boat, River— with River Division 571, he patrolled the Mekong Delta aboard a highly maneuverable river boat adapted for combat. He participated in more than 160 combat missions, both day and night, experiencing intense combat during his service.

For his bravery, leadership, and military service, Ross received numerous awards and decorations, including three Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Ribbon, two Bronze Stars including a Bronze Star with Combat "V," the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Gallantry Cross Palm and Unit Citation, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Vietnam Campaign/Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Technical Service Medal, the Vietnamese Technical Service Medal, the Seventh Good Conduct Medal, the Small Craft Breast Insignia, and the Pistol Marksmanship Medal. 

Ross's military career also brought one of the greatest joys of his life. During a deployment to Glen Douglas, Scotland, he met Kathleen M. Wilson of Glasgow. Ross told his shipmate, "I'm going to marry that woman someday." He kept his word, and on Sept. 17, 1974, Ross and Kathleen were married. Together they built a life that carried them through numerous Navy duty stations, friendships, adventures, and memories. They shared 52 years of marriage and were looking forward to celebrating their 53rd anniversary.

They were blessed with a son, Ross J. Maddocks, who was named for his father's nickname. Although his given name was Harmon Roscoe Maddocks, Ross was rarely known by that name among his friends or fellow sailors.

After retiring from the Navy at the age of 48, Ross returned to his hometown and to the place where his journey had begun. He spent considerable time clearing the family property in Sprucewold, known as "Maddocks Hill," preparing the land for a home and garage where his family could be safe and together.

Nature remained one of Ross's great loves. He enjoyed walking through the woods with his beloved dog, Tanya, and could often be found picking up sticks and tending to his property. He cared deeply for the wildlife around him, feeding deer, foxes, turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, and black squirrels. Even years later, the deer and turkeys continued to visit the feeding places he had established. Ross had a gentle heart when it came to living things and took great pleasure in caring for the creatures around him.

Retirement, however, did not keep Ross away from the water for long. When his friend and classmate Ira Machon asked if he would serve as deputy harbormaster, Ross answered the call. After receiving approval from the VA, he began another career that he would love for the next 14 years.

During his years as harbormaster, Ross left his mark on Boothbay Harbor. He became the first harbormaster to have full law-enforcement rights and carry a sidearm. He helped introduce a new harbor patrol boat, implemented a revised mooring plan, and became an ambassador for the harbor, welcoming visiting boaters with "welcome bags" filled with fun treasures.

Ross also served as a reserve police officer, enjoying the camaraderie of the local police department, whether responding to calls or simply sharing stories and laughs. He believed in "fun boating," but he also understood the responsibility that came with being on the water. Above all, he wanted families to be safe on the ocean.

He was asked later in life whether it was difficult to patrol the harbor on rainy and foggy nights with nothing but a compass to guide him. His answer was characteristically Ross. He said that Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Boothbay Harbor was his guiding light on those evening patrols. 

Even after retiring as harbormaster, Ross could not stay away from the ocean. His friend and classmate Judy, from Boothbay Harbor Marina, invited him to help welcome boats at the marina's "red hut." Once again, Ross answered the call. He spent many happy years there, enjoying the sunshine, watching boats come and go, and recognizing the familiar faces of boaters he had known during his years as harbormaster—including, eventually, their grown children.

He also put his well-used hands to work making bell ropes and key chains from miles of rope. Many people will continue to treasure these handmade reminders of Ross and the time he spent at the harbor. 

Ross was proud of his Navy service and remained a lifetime member of the Association of Minemen. He and Kathleen traveled to reunions throughout the East and West Coasts, reconnecting with shipmates and sharing stories of the good, the bad, and the memorable times. From commissioned officers to enlisted sailors, Ross was remembered as a humble man who helped many people throughout their careers. His word meant something, and when he said something needed to be done, those who served with him knew that he meant it.

He retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer/Master Chief Mineman, the Navy's E-9 level, after 31 years of service. His commanding officers recognized his professionalism and leadership, while Ross remained grateful for the men and women who served under his authority. His shipmates will miss him, but they will remember him well.

Ross was a quiet man, shaped by a generation that believed in enduring hardship without complaint. He saw much, experienced much, and carried the weight of those experiences with him. Yet through determination, hard work, humor, and love, he provided a life for his family and made a lasting impression on countless people. He accepted people for who they were and could strike up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. To many, he truly became "the man, the myth, and the legend."

For the final five years of his journey, Ross resided in memory care at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. The staff there became, in many ways, his third family. They cared for him with compassion and dignity, listened to his many "tall tales," and walked alongside him as his physical abilities gradually changed—from walking independently, to using his "sympathy stick," to a walker, and eventually to what he affectionately called his "convertible Cadillac wheelchair."

Ross never gave up easily. Even as his health declined, his determination remained. After suffering a fall that resulted in a broken hip and subsequent hip replacement, he never fully recovered, but he continued to press forward and accept each new challenge.

The love Ross gave was returned by the staff who cared for him. When family and friends would leave, Ross would sometimes remind them of the special place they held in his life, saying, "You're my attachment to the outside world and you are taking a little piece of me with you. Thank you for coming, and see ya' soon!"

Ross is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen M. Maddocks of Boothbay Harbor; his son, Ross J. Maddocks and his wife, Rachael, of South Portland; and their son, Christopher C. Maddocks. He is also survived by his daughter, Angela M. Kim of Baltimore, Maryland, from a previous marriage; her husband, Timothy Kim; and their daughter, Abigail, and her husband, Connor. He is also survived by family in Scotland and England, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and former shipmates who will carry his memory with them.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harmon R. and Grace Maddocks; his twin brother, Sewall T. Maddocks, and Sewall's wife, Janice; his sister, Audrey Robinson, and her husband, Louis; and his beloved dog, Tanya.

Ross's life was one of service, adventure, family, and the sea. From the waters of Boothbay Harbor to the rivers of Vietnam, from naval bases around the world to the familiar waters of his hometown, he answered the call whenever it came. He leaves behind not only a remarkable record of service, but also countless stories, friendships, handmade reminders, and memories that will continue to be shared for generations.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough for the extraordinary care, compassion, and dignity they provided Ross during the final five years of his life. They became his caregivers, his companions, and his family, and their kindness will never be forgotten.

A boat parade (weather permitting) will muster on Oct. 3, 2026 at 10 a.m. and can be seen from the Boothbay Harbor footbridge and the Boothbay Harbor Inn.

Friends and family are invited to his Celebration of Life  Service after the boat parade from noon to 4 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Inn.