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VANDERBECK
RICHARD W.
94, of Morris, CT, formerly of Murrysville, PA and Norwalk, CT, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013, after lengthy complications from a broken hip and end-stage COPD. Richard was born September 9, 1918, Creston Avenue, N.Y. His father was Howard Frank Vanderbeck, son of Frank Vanderbeck and Mamie Ella Bopp, of NYC. His mother was Alva Genevieve Davis, daughter of Elwood Charles Davis and Ada Bell Coonley, of NYC. Richard was pre-deceased by his first wife, Rosanne McAlpin, of Mt. Lebanon, PA; his eldest daughter, Kathleen Elaine Vanderbeck, of Mt. Lebanon, PA; and his second wife, Eleanor Jo Heinrichs, of Pittsburgh, PA; as well as both his parents and grandparents. Richard leaves some dear friends as well as three daughters, Jane Ellen Vanderbeck of Raleigh, NC, and her sons, Phillip and Scott Hoffman of Raleigh, NC, Judith Ellen Vanderbeck, and her husband, Patrick David Kelly, of Pittsburgh, PA, Peggy Jo Vanderbeck, her husband Daniel Keller Thomas and their daughter, Shellby Jo Thomas of Morris, CT. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Lauren Jane and Joseph Phillip Hoffman, Jacob Connor and Cohen Scott Hoffman, all of Raleigh N.C. Richard was schooled at the current King - Low - Haywood - Thomas School, formerly the King School, of Stamford, CT, and graduated in 1940 from Princeton University, with high honors and a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After working at Allegheny Ludlum Steel, Richard settled at USS Corporation as a metallurgical engineer in its Applied Research Division, taking night classes at Carnegie Mellon University to complete his Degree in Metallurgy. He worked with USS until his retirement in 1980. Richard lived a rich and full life. He served in the military during WWII, volunteered with the Civil Defense, served local Presbyterian churches; after widowed, diligently cared for his eldest daughters, treasured canoe/camping expeditions with friends and family, and was a gifted oil painter, in his own right. Richard spent his last decade living in Morris with his family where he enjoyed hiking and touring the area. Richard had a quick wit, loved word play, word puzzles and Sudoku's. He placed his hope in Christ and looked forward to eternity. An Open House to honor Richard will be held Friday, July 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Dan and Peggy Jo's home, 5 Shady Lane, Morris, CT. A short Memorial Service will follow. For more information phone 860-567-4865. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.
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4 Entries
August 15, 2013
Dan, Peggy Jo, Shellby & Family...what a beautiful tribute to a wonderful father and friend! May God bless you all during this time! -The Crocker Family
August 15, 2013
Peggy Jo Thomas
Missing you Dad.
July 18, 2013
Dear Judy: I was saddened to read of your father's passing. Please accept my condolences. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill
July 17, 2013
Marsha Benno
Dan, Peggy, Shelby & family,
My deepest sympathies at the loss of your father, father-in-law & grandpa. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
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