Richard Peter Van Der Wende

1948 - 2018

CENTREVILLE - Richard Peter Van Der Wende, 70, of Centreville, Md., passed away on Nov. 1, 2018, at his residence.
Born on Feb. 13, 1948, in Patterson, N.J., he was the son of the late Howard James Van Der Wende and Mildred Mattie O'Neal Van Der Wende. Rich attended Midvale Elementary and Haskell Schools, Lakeland Regional High School, Tarkio College and Glenville State College, where he received his B.A. in education in 1970. Rich also earned his Master of Arts degree from Washington College in 1980. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Susan (Sue) Carol Larson, on Sept. 2, 1967. Upon graduating from Glenville State, Rich and Sue moved to Centreville on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to begin his teaching career. He taught History at Queen Anne's County High School for 12 years, as well as coached baseball and wrestling, before exploring other careers in sales and restoration. He was most recently employed at Price & Gannon's Ace Hardware.
Some of his favorite times were spent with his daughter and son-in-law, granddaughters and his dog, Lucy. Rich enjoyed attending the theater with his late wife and brother and sister-in-law. He was an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. Rich was an early American history buff and loved to travel. He gave back to his community over the years through his membership in the Jaycees, Lions and Rotary Clubs. He was also a behind-the-scenes helper for the Girl Scouts.
Rich is survived by his loving daughter, Michelle (Shellie) Hagan and her husband Gary; two granddaughters, Jessica and Hannah Hagan of Centreville. He is also survived by his brother, Jim and his wife Nancy of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; and seven nieces.
In addition to his wife, Susan, he is preceded in death by his brother, Stanley.
There is no way to express the full life of Rich Van Der Wende or the ways he touched so many people. He was truly a kind man with a generous heart and devotion to his family. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and the community.
A Celebration of Life for Rich will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 408 S. Liberty St., Centreville, MD 21617.
Following the celebration, a fellowship is planned and all are invited to join. Details will be shared after the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 217 E. Redwood St., Suite 1100, Baltimore, MD 21202.