Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Richard George Van Gorder was born November 2, 1933 in Palisades Park, New Jersey, and passed away March 23, 2021 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He had a wonderful childhood in Leonia, New Jersey and maintained many boyhood friendships throughout his life. Music was always at the center of Richard’s life - while at Leonia High School as the Band President, and then at Trenton State College where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education. He taught the love of music to hundreds of children, including his own children, for forty-years. His career began in New Jersey, then spent the next 30 years as a band instructor at Mildred E. Strang Middle School in Yorktown Heights, New York, where he retired from teaching, but did not retire as a musician. Richard played in multiple small groups and bands throughout the years, and enjoyed playing his clarinet while traveling and at church services up through the last year of his life.
He retired and moved to North Carolina in 1997, where he enjoyed golfing, and the beach. Richard was a great lover of world travel, food and wine. Over the years he forgot the names of the many places he had visited, but never forgot the incredible food, how it was prepared, and what wine was paired with each dish. He made his own wine, and many friends and family members were the recipients of his creations. Richard was known for offering his words of wisdom and advice about how to prepare flavorful dishes.
Richard married Eileen Dougherty in 1955. From this union, Richard is survived by his three loving and devoted children Deirdre Vassallo (Dave), Thomas Van Gorder (Brenda), Joanne LaPorta (John), eleven grandchildren - Matthew (Maddie), Caitlin, Brendan, Meg, Autumn (Christian), Kiah (Jacob), Zoe, Jennifer, Sean, Patrick (Macy), and Brian. Richard was also blessed with six great grandchildren - Hannah, Grace, Maelle, Zoey, Keiran, and Ellianna.
Richard married Anne Sullivan in 1989, and is survived by his much loved step daughters Patricia Cannizzo (Gianni), Eileen Byrne (Michael), Colleen Dodman (Timothy), and 8 additional grandchildren - Christopher, Matthew, Brianna, Caitlin, Sarah, Jack, Megan and Kerry.
Richard is also survived by his ever faithful little dog Dixie, his many dear friends, and especially his loving companion Patricia Woomer.
Richard was proceeded in death by his parents Kathleen Naudet Van Gorder, George H. Van Gorder, his sister Barbara Holland, and his wife Anne Sullivan Van Gorder.
As many friends and family have inquired about donations, the family asks that you consider gifts to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation at https://www.mhopus.org
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by providing vital support services to school districts, and new musical instruments to underfunded music programs nationwide, giving economically-disadvantaged youth access to the many benefits of music education, leading them to success in school, and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music.
Funeral Services are private, and are entrusted to the Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington. Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
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Dick was a wonderful friend and is very missed.
Mike McCracken
March 19, 2025 | Millbrook, NY | Friend
Mr. Van Gorder was my music teacher at Yorktown Junior High from 1966-1968, 7th and 8th grades. I can’t express enough how blessed I was to have him as my mentor and inspiration. I started on flute but loved learning from him so much, he introduced me to oboe, bassoon, piccolo, French horn, and fife in his fife and drum corp. He honored me at graduation with the Outstanding Musician award, but really it should have been the Outstanding Teacher award. Because of his inspiring lessons, I...
Lynn Davis-Felicio
November 16, 2021 | Boca Raton, FL | Student
I learned how to play timpani and percussion from Mr. Van Gorder. I was a student of his at the Yorktown Junior High School from 1964 until 1966, and kept in touch with him throughout my years and high school.He helped me prepare for my audition at Manhattan School of Music in 1970. A great teacher and band director. Godspeed, Mr. Van Gorder and thanks for your the memories and your help!
ANDREW SIMCO
July 12, 2021 | Rapid City, SD
Mr Van Gorder was an incredible positive force in his role as musical instructor and bandleader at the Mildred East strange Middle School. What I loved about the 7th and 8th grade in 1970 and 1971 was playing in his band. Every afternoon we had band practice. It was magical. He could not play the trumpet but he sure could teach you how to play. The orchestra sounds that he created, coming from a bunch of 12, 13 and 14 year olds, were amazing. And we all knew it.
Music is a...
Matthew Sullivan
May 05, 2021 | Warwick, NY | Student
Dick's love of people, life and all its beauty shone through in his music. His belief that music is the food of love will shine upon us from his playing in heaven. Dick, we gospel choir friends will sing on, and remember with joy your gifts which you unselfishly gave to all through your magical clarinet.
Judith Brockelman
April 05, 2021 | Leland, NC | Friend
We are very saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. He was an irrepressible bright light, filled with fun, kindness, music and a love of life. He will be missed but not forgotten by his many friends
Mike and Dot McCracken
Mike and Dot McCracken
April 05, 2021 | Millbrook, NY | Friend
Dick and I both taught at Mildred Strang Middle School in Yorktown Hts. NY. He was loved by his students, Parents, and fellow Staff members.
We had many great times together.
I coached his son Tommy, who became a New York State Champion gymnast.
Our prayers and condolences to Dick's family.
Vinny Savastano
April 04, 2021 | Cortlandt Manor, NY | Coworker
A kind gentleman and patient Music Teacher. Someone I looked up to. Always appreciated his love of music. Sorry to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and his many friends.
John Vorel
April 04, 2021 | Sanford, FL | Student
He was the love of my life.
Patricia Woomer
April 02, 2021 | Friend
