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Richard Schiff Obituary

Schiff Richard B. Schiff, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired), "Rick", 71, of Oakland, MD, died Friday, September 18, 2015, at his residence. Born September 14, 1944, in Joliet, IL, he was the son of the late Leonard and Harriet (Stern) Schiff. Rick grew up mostly in Michigan and attended the University of Michigan. It was there that he met Judi Weil of Philadelphia whose love and presence he was to treasure above all else until the end. Rick and Judi married after graduation, and headed off to George Washington University for law school. With the draft on, Rick decided to join the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps to do the four year minimum (a wise choice since his birthday, September 14, was drawn first in the draft lottery) and return to civilian life. Four years of heroic Navy and Marine Corps clients, and he simply could not go back to the private practice of law right away; he stayed for 28 years. The Navy took Judi and Rick to Newport, RI, Boston, MA, where daughter Karen was born, San Diego, CA, where son Dan was born, Naples, Italy, Charlottesville, Iceland, Pensacola, FL, the Pentagon, back to Naples, Norfolk, VA and Back to Washington, DC. Their house in Garrett County is number seventeen. Professionally Rick had a diverse and rewarding Navy career. He spent a lot of time in the court-room, off and on, and as a young military judge he rode the Navy's ships and planes to try cases at sea and ashore throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Navy sent Rick to the University of Virginia for Master of Laws in Law of the Sea and International Law. He would use that expertise dealing with treaty issues overseas and as an advisor to senior naval operational commanders. Retiring from the Navy, he was hired by the National Indian Gaming Commission, which regulates tribal casinos. Just as he was attracted to the naval service by its people and honored to serve them, he was honored to get to know and work with the diverse and accomplished people who make up Native America and the people who worked on their issues. At the start of the Iraq War, though, Rick wanted to again serve Sailors and Marines getting shot at, and went back to the Department of Defense, serving as a general counsel in the intelligence community. After retirement with the world to choose from, Judi and Rick eventually settled on Garrett County, with its idiosyncratic climate, natural beauty and wonderful people. Rick was active in his adopted community. He served on the board of directors of Garrett Mentors, with two terms as president, and he mentored in the elementary schools. Rick was Secretary of Deep Creek Lake Lions, a Mountain Host at Wisp, a state park volunteer and a member of Garrett County Planning Commission. He filled his idle time with new found interests in skiing, pickleball, sporting clays and bridge, and when he sat still he indulged his love of reading. In addition to Judi, Rick is survived by daughter, Karen Freeman, her husband, Barry and their children, Rebecca, Jarrett and Lexi of Solon, OH and son, Dan and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Schiff, who reside in Waynesville, NC. He is also survived by sisters, Jan Flecker, Amy Peterson and Sally Maguire; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Friends will be received for visitation on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at NEWMAN FUNERAL HOMES, P.A., 26722 Garrett Hwy., Accident (McHenry), MD from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held in his daughter's home in Solon, OH on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. A ceremony will be held at a later date in the Arlington National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Garrett Mentors, Inc., www.garrettmentors.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Sep. 18 to Sep. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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CDR Wayne L. Johnson, JAGC, Navy (Retired), Alexandria, VA

June 12, 2023

It is only recently that I learned of Rick's passing. He was the XO at my first duty station, NLSO Pensacola, 1983-1985, where I was a Defense Counsel and Legal Assistance attorney.

Many of the memories posted here are of JAGC officers Rick mentored and went on to have great careers. Rick had an encyclopedic memory when it came to the law. I recall my seeking his advice and he told me there was a case on point in a particular Military Justice Reporter - and sure enough he was right.

He also entrusted me with daughter Karen on a canoe trip the office had one Saturday in 1984.

May you have fair winds and following seas.

Wayne and Jennie

CDR Wayne L. Johnson, JAGC, Navy (Retired), Alexandria, VA

Captain Robert A. Sanders, LP.D; JAGC, USN

March 31, 2016

Today I learned of RADM Schiff's passing and I am deeply saddened. He was my first active duty JAG CO and mentor through the most formative days of my early JAG Corps career. He was a GREAT boss and mentor and I continue to use the lessons he taught me and to pass them on to those I now mentor. Judi, Karen and Dan, pls know that his presence lives on as a legacy that I and others pass to the younger JAG Officers we train -- they carry his mission forward!

Benjamin Clancy

January 22, 2016

My belated sympathies to the Schiff family upon the passing of Rear Admiral Schiff. In 1988 when I was a junior lieutenant in the Navy JAG Corps, I worked for the then Captain Schiff at the Naval Legal Service Office in Naples, Italy. He took great interest in the professional development of the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees under his charge and was admired and respected by all. My deepest sympathies to his family.

The eternal teacher

Scott Schwieger

September 28, 2015

Talk about a good looking couple

Scott Schwieger

September 28, 2015

One of his many retirements...

Scott Schwieger

September 28, 2015

My friend and my mentor will be sorely missed. I was his deputy too little time, but he will be my friend forever. The world was a better place having him in it and diminished with his passing.

Chris Morin

September 23, 2015

I had the honor and privilege of serving under RDML Schiff when he was CO in Naples. He was an inspirational leader and extraordinary officer. My deepest condolences to his family. CAPT Chris Morin, JAGC, USN (Ret)

Mike and Carolyn Lien

September 21, 2015

You have touched so many lives and will be so missed.

JOHN STERN

September 21, 2015

As a younger cousin, I learned of,.. but rarely saw Richard, at family dinners and gatherings. I became truely impressed by his education, by his extensive travels, AND at his high rank,(Navy Admiral). But personally I was most impressed by his devotion, both to wife & family, and country. His entire family will miss Rick, as will his fellow Naval Cadets and countless soldiers; And all of us will miss his wit, intellect and his zeal for life. --Johnny Stern

Paul Mason

September 21, 2015

A friend and great racquetball player!

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

And Semper Fidelis

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Semper Fortis

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

RIP

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Thank YOU from ALL Sailors and Marines

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

28 Years

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Rear Admiral

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Herb USMC

September 20, 2015

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

September 20, 2015

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served.Thank YOU for your service,RADM. Schiff....... And Semper Fi. SIR.

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Funeral services provided by:

Newman Funeral Homes, P.A. - Accident (McHenry)

26722 Garrett Hwy, Accident, MD 21520

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