Richard E. Lander

1926 - 2014

Richard E. "Dick" Lander, of Wayne, Pa. passed away peacefully on October 13, 2014 after a brief illness. He was 88 years old. He was known for his quiet strength, intelligence and his generous devotion to his faith, family, community, and country. Mr. Lander spent 24 years in the U.S. Navy, serving in active duty after graduation from college and in the Naval Reserves until 1986, when he retired as a Lieutenant Commander. He was a well-respected civil engineer, holding executive positions at various companies, and retiring as the Executive Director of the Northampton Township Municipal Authority in Bucks County in 2002 at the age of 76. He was an idea man who delighted in details. He was always eager to lend a helping hand. Mr. Lander, married for 65 years to his wife, Patricia, was active in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry. He was a volunteer with the Radnor Fire Company for more than 30 years as firefighter, ambulance captain, chief engineer, and president of the board of directors. Born on February 20, 1926 in Forest Hills, NY, Mr. Lander was the son of the late Reverend and Mrs. William P. S. Lander. He was graduated from the Episcopal Academy in 1944, and remained an active alumnus until his death. In 2008, he collaborated with his classmates to build the historic Class of 1944 Chapel that graces the new Episcopal campus in Newtown Square, Pa. That class is noted for having generated many leaders and Mr. Lander was one of them. He viewed the chapel as a tribute to the past alumni and "an inspiration to future generations of students who will find comfort and peace within those walls." Mr. Lander received his degree in Civil Engineering from Tufts University in 1948. He spent the majority of his career in engineering and manufacturing management. As an executive with CertainTeed Corporation, a major supplier of building materials in Valley Forge, Pa., he was a member of the team which formed a joint venture with French industrial giant Compagnie de Saint-Gobain to manufacture fiberglass insulation. He became Vice President of Manufacturing for the CertainTeed Saint-Gobain Insulation Corporation. Mr. Lander later served as Vice President of the Edge Wallboard Machinery Company. After retiring, he continued to work part-time as a senior engineer for Pennoni Associates in Philadelphia well into his 80s. He served on the board of the Tredyffrin Township Municipal Authority until 2011. Mr. Lander earned a private pilot's license, played golf, and enjoyed family vacations in New London, New Hampshire, where his parents had purchased a summer home in the 1940s, and which became the heart of cherished family reunions. The true joy of his life was his family, in particular his grandchildren, in whom he took great interest and pride. Mr. Lander is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Lander (ne Riter); children Richard B. (Karen), of Paoli, PA; Nina L. Milton (Donald), of Seabrook Island, SC; and Frederick A. (Kim), of Brielle, NJ; and five grandchildren: Bennington McElroy, Morgan Lander McManus (Shane), Meredith Lander, Peter Lander, and Devon Lander. He is also survived by a sister, Virginia L. Aigeltinger, of Wayne, and brother, Dr. William W. Lander, of Villanova. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 104 Louella Avenue, Wayne, PA, followed by a memorial service at 11:00. Interment will follow the service at the St. Mary's columbarium. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church or to the Episcopal Academy, 1785 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square, PA 19073. www.maugergivnish, Mauger-Givnish Funeral Home of Malvern 610-644-2240