Richard "Rick" Stafford Metz

Richard “Rick” Stafford Metz, 76, of Beaufort, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at his home.

Rick passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of May 16 th , 2024. He was comforted and cared for by daughters Hilary and Lindsay, wife Sharon, and dog Luna. Rick was born in Connecticut but lived in several university towns around the country as his father was a professor. He spent the longest time in Tallahassee Florida. He considered Woods Hole MA as his home as he spent every summer there in the family house on Hyatt Road. His father and grandfather both did summer research at the Marine Biological Laboratory. His mother was on the board at the Woods Hole Science School and Rick attended every summer. He enjoyed learning about birds from his grandfather, fishing, going out to the Weepeckets and Tarpaulin Cove with his family and spending time with many who are still lifelong friends. After college, Rick lived on his sailboat the “Meg” in Woods Hole Harbor and started “Traditional Sailing Supply” a small business which imported and sold mahogany blocks and other sailboat tackle and gear.

He spent a glorious five years at the University of Miami. He and “The Gang” went to every Hurricane football game, drove around in MG’s and Austin Healy’s and formed bonds with friends who have become family. Every fall he would fly down to Miami to go to a football game with his friends. On one of those trips he looked out of the window of the plane and discovered “Down East.” This led to the move to Sea Level in 1989.

He loved being on the water, watching old westerns, reading about fabulous sea adventures and feeding the birds with his granddaughter Brynnleigh. He loved anything British and 60’s and 70’s rock and roll. He restored a couple of Austin Healy’s and MGs.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon Mills, daughter Hilary Metz and her children Jovan, Sharon Jolie, and Warren Jean Metz Marseille, daughter Lindsay Metz Thompson and her husband Andy and children Brynnleigh, and Drew Thompson, niece Jamille James, great niece Jess Rivera, and beloved dog Luna.

Rick was predeceased by his parents. Dr. Charles and Ethel Metz and his sister Rinda Metz.

If you would like to make any donations on Rick’s behalf, please do so to https://for-nc.org/support

Please specify that it is for bird conservation at the Rachel Carson Reserve or  https://abseaturtle.org/donate/

In lieu of a traditional funeral service family and friends are welcome to drop in and visit with Sharon and family at her home on Sunday June 2nd between 3pm-7pm.

Please reach out to Sharon, or family if you need the address.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.