Richard William Grathwohl

Richard William Grathwohl

1945–2026

Richard William Grathwohl, 81, of Marathon, Florida, passed away on October 27, 2026. A

longtime Florida Keys fishing guide and passionate conservationist, Richard devoted much of his

life to the waters he loved and worked tirelessly to protect.

Richard moved to Marathon at the age of 13 and graduated from Marathon High School in 1964.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in its marine unit in

Pensacola, Florida, and the Panama Canal Zone. Even while serving his country, Richard found

his way to the water, becoming a crew member aboard an Air Force general's boat in the Canal

Zone.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Richard returned to the Florida Keys and worked

alongside his father and grandfather aboard the Bluefin, the family's sportfishing boat. Together,

three generations of Grathwohl fishermen enjoyed success in fishing tournaments and built a

lasting legacy on the waters of the Keys.

Richard later established his own business, Fishin' Fever, guiding anglers through the

backcountry waters of the Florida Keys in pursuit of bonefish, tarpon, and permit. His love of

fishing also took him to the waters of Homosassa, Florida, where he continued to share his

knowledge and passion for the sport.

Beyond his accomplishments as a fishing guide, Richard was a dedicated advocate for the

conservation of Florida's fragile marine environment. He was deeply involved in efforts to

protect the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida Bay, and the surrounding

ecosystems. His commitment to conservation took him all the way to Washington, D.C., where

he testified before Congress on issues affecting the waters he knew so intimately.

Richard's life was defined by his love of the sea, his independence, and his unwavering

commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Florida Keys for future generations.

He is survived by his sisters, Lynn Grathwohl Filby and Georgia Grathwohl Dardick; his

nephews, Robert Moore, William Harmon, and David Filby; and his niece, Myra Dardick.

A memorial service will be planned by the family. In accordance with Richard's wishes, his ashes

will be scattered at Content Key, off Big Pine Key, Florida, a place close to the waters that meant

so much to him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory to the Florida Keys National

Marine Sanctuary.

Richard's legacy lives on in the waters he loved, the people whose lives he touched, and the

natural world he worked so passionately to protect.