Richard Carl Meininger, 86, of Ellicott City, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026 at home. A celebration of life service will take place at The Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant on February 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Rick was born in Washington, D.C., on November 18, 1939, to Betty and Carl Meininger. He was raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, graduating in 1957. Rick attended The University of Maryland, College Park where he received a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering, graduating in 1962 and 1964 respectively. While attending Maryland, Rick was active in Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon and the Wesley Foundation.
He worked for 62 years as a Professional Engineer, starting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, moving to the National Aggregates Association (NAA) and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). Rick spent two years working for the Arizona Department of Transportation in Prescott, Arizona before being recruited back to NAA and NRMCA. Upon return to Maryland, the family settled in Columbia, where they lived for 41 years. Rick spent most of his 34 years with the Associations leading their research efforts as Vice President of Research and ending his time there as Acting President. After leaving the Associations, he served as an expert consultant in all things concrete and aggregates. To complete his career, Rick returned to the Federal government, following his passion, and managing the lab for the pavement materials research team at FHWA's Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, retiring at age 82. Over his career, Rick received countless awards, including a 2022 Icon Award from the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association for his lifelong dedication to the aggregates industry.
Rick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cynthia; sisters Carole Moore (Paul) and Alyson Wilson; sister-in-law Betty Reed; children, Lynn Bennick, Steve Meininger (Lynn), and Glenn Meininger (Melissa) and grandchildren: Molly (Matt), Drew (Jaime), Emma, Luke, Claire, Faith, Caroline, Will, Mark and Lucy. He was preceded in death by grandson Garrett.
Rick loved travel, photography, genealogy, and long driving trips across the U.S., especially in the Southwest. He visited 49 states, all but North Dakota. His wife and children fondly remember many trips camping in the 1970s VW pop top van. Especially during the two years in Arizona, the family spent many weekends exploring the great outdoors. Bethany Beach, Delaware; Puzzle Lake, Ontario and Rocky Mountain National Park were favorite destinations.
Rick will be remembered for his dedication to family, strong work ethic and generosity. He was meticulous with his record keeping and car upkeep for the entire family. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of U.S. highways and maps. Anytime someone mentioned a place within the U.S., he would be able to discuss the roads and landmarks nearby. Part of his work in Arizona was along historic Route 66.
Friends and family are invited to The Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant in Ellicott City on February 23, 2026 at 11:00. A reception will follow the service.
Donations may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Howard County in the name of Richard Meininger.
Rick was born in Washington, D.C., on November 18, 1939, to Betty and Carl Meininger. He was raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, graduating in 1957. Rick attended The University of Maryland, College Park where he received a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering, graduating in 1962 and 1964 respectively. While attending Maryland, Rick was active in Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon and the Wesley Foundation.
He worked for 62 years as a Professional Engineer, starting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, moving to the National Aggregates Association (NAA) and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). Rick spent two years working for the Arizona Department of Transportation in Prescott, Arizona before being recruited back to NAA and NRMCA. Upon return to Maryland, the family settled in Columbia, where they lived for 41 years. Rick spent most of his 34 years with the Associations leading their research efforts as Vice President of Research and ending his time there as Acting President. After leaving the Associations, he served as an expert consultant in all things concrete and aggregates. To complete his career, Rick returned to the Federal government, following his passion, and managing the lab for the pavement materials research team at FHWA's Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, retiring at age 82. Over his career, Rick received countless awards, including a 2022 Icon Award from the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association for his lifelong dedication to the aggregates industry.
Rick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cynthia; sisters Carole Moore (Paul) and Alyson Wilson; sister-in-law Betty Reed; children, Lynn Bennick, Steve Meininger (Lynn), and Glenn Meininger (Melissa) and grandchildren: Molly (Matt), Drew (Jaime), Emma, Luke, Claire, Faith, Caroline, Will, Mark and Lucy. He was preceded in death by grandson Garrett.
Rick loved travel, photography, genealogy, and long driving trips across the U.S., especially in the Southwest. He visited 49 states, all but North Dakota. His wife and children fondly remember many trips camping in the 1970s VW pop top van. Especially during the two years in Arizona, the family spent many weekends exploring the great outdoors. Bethany Beach, Delaware; Puzzle Lake, Ontario and Rocky Mountain National Park were favorite destinations.
Rick will be remembered for his dedication to family, strong work ethic and generosity. He was meticulous with his record keeping and car upkeep for the entire family. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of U.S. highways and maps. Anytime someone mentioned a place within the U.S., he would be able to discuss the roads and landmarks nearby. Part of his work in Arizona was along historic Route 66.
Friends and family are invited to The Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant in Ellicott City on February 23, 2026 at 11:00. A reception will follow the service.
Donations may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Howard County in the name of Richard Meininger.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Carl Meininger, please visit our flower store.
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