Montville - Richard James Prentice, 83, lost his long, courageous battle with mesothelioma on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. He died at home, surrounded by the love of his family.He was born to Arthur Prentice and Jeannette (Ferraro) Prentice in New London, in November of 1930. He grew up during The Great Depression, and attended Chapman Technical High School and the former Buckley School in New London. He also completed business studies through the University of Maryland. He spent many happy summers as a youth in Westerly, where his mother's family lived.He married Shirlee Krysiewicz on Jan. 16, 1954, at St. John's Church, Uncasville, and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.He is survived by his wife, Shirlee of Oakdale; his daughter, Pamela Doukas and her husband, Stephen, of Spring Hill, Fla.; his son, Rick of Uncasville; and his daughter, MaryEllen Adams and husband, David, of Ogdensburg, N.Y. He adored his grandchildren, Jennifer Adams of New York City, and Sarah Koster of New London, and his great-grandson, Sante Gallagher. He leaves a sister-in-law, Darlene Krysiewicz Buckley and husband, Bill, of Uncasville; a sister, CaroleJean Freeman of Virginia; and beloved nieces and nephews, and cousins.He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Valerie Sherman of Springfield, Mass.Richard spent 21 years in the Navy and retired as a chief yeoman. He entered the Navy in 1948, and worked his way up the ranks, mastering many jobs throughout his career, from seaman to cook, gunnery and mechanical, to administrative. He was stationed on the carriers USS Coral Sea and USS FD Roosevelt. He began his submariner postings on the USS Tusk, and was also on the USS Croaker, USS Skate, USS Nautilus, USS Triton, USS Skipjack, and other ships and subs in the Submarine Squadron TEN Flag. He had postings at Westover AF Base, Mass., Patuxent River NAF Base, Md., New London/Groton Sub Base, and two years as a chief clerk at S.H.A.P.E. headquarters in Paris, France in 1965. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for five years at Electric Boat in Groton, then worked 20 years for Amarada Hess Oil in Groton as both a yardman and a dispatcher.He lived his life for his family and was always putting their needs before his own. He was well-known for his sociable nature, and had many friends who knew that if the garage door was open, so was his man cave. He loved to boat and fish and enjoyed trout fishing trips to Chibougamau in Quebec for many years with friends. He was full of great stories and seemed to know everyone in town. He was well-known for his prowess in the kitchen, where his love of seafood and his Italian heritage came into play. He spent several years lobstering with his son, Rick. He lived in the Mohegan area for many years and spent many more in his old family home on Mohegan Avenue in Quaker Hill before moving to Oakdale 10 years ago. Richard enjoyed reading, watching movies, puttering in his workshop, and being with his family, and the many adventures they took him on over the years.He was a member of the American Legion, the Montville Polish Club, Montville VFW, the 13 Run Club, and the Northeastern Fishing Club.Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care SECT and the Oakdale Fire Department.Arrangements are incomplete at this time with Woyasz & Son Funeral Home. Burial services will be in the summer.