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Richard Ashenfelter Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we share that Richard B. Ashenfelter Jr., 66, of Malvern, PA passed away from heart failure on May 30, 2022. Richard joins his daughter, Holli (who passed away 3 months earlier in March), and his mother, Doris (who passed away 6 months earlier in November), in eternal rest.

Richard - who often went by Dick or Dickie by those who knew him best - lived a purposeful life that revolved around career, family, sports, and adventure. The son of the late Richard B. Ashenfelter Sr. and Doris Warner Ashenfelter, Richard spent his formidable years in Frederick, MD - an excellent student who was perhaps proudest of his athletic accomplishments in baseball, football, and basketball while at Thomas Johnson High School.

After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a JD degree from Villanova University, Richard led a fulfilling and impactful career in law in the fields of architecture, construction and the environment. Richard also coached baseball with Great Valley Little League and at Great Valley High School, teaching the fundamentals of the game to hundreds of players over the course of nearly two decades.

Richard had many passions and hobbies over the years. From fly fishing and scuba to learning Spanish and (most recently) dance, his competitive spirit and learner's mindset was on display on multiple fronts. As he got older, Richard spent less time at Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island, NJ (where his kids enjoyed their childhood summers) and more time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (where he built many friendships within the local community).

Above all, Richard spent 35 years as a loving father and supportive husband - helping his daughter navigate a difficult 15-year battle with drug addiction, and inspiring discipline and hard work in his son's pursuits within environmental stewardship and climate change. Richard is survived by his sister, Deborah Ashenfelter Lawyer; his son, Richard (Ricky) Ashenfelter III; daughter-in-law, Gena Jiang; Ricky's mother, Jayne Eberly Ashenfelter; and beloved dogs, Grizzy and Bella.

Richard's family will host two viewings: one at the D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 392 Lancaster Ave., Frazer, PA on Saturday, June 4th from 12 to 2 PM ET, and one at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD on Sunday, June 5th from 4 to 7 PM ET. Funeral services will be held at the Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Ave., Frederick, MD on Monday, June 6th at 11:00 AM, officiated by the Reverend Paul Mundey. Interment will be immediately after the service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens on Catoctin Mountain Highway, Frederick, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's honor to a charity of your choice. Richard was known to support animal rescue, recovery programs, and immigration services.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by The Frederick News-Post from Jun. 1 to Jun. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ashenfelter

Sponsored by Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A. - Frederick.

Not sure what to say?





Butch

May 25, 2025

Dear Dick,
I miss you good friend. I think about the times we spent fishing at Pickering creek as well talking about our families. Rest in peace.
Butch

Philomena Tabu

May 24, 2025

Your presence is truly missed Richard. Eternal rest grant unto thee and may the Perpetual light shine upon them.

Philomena Tabu

May 24, 2024

Rest in perfect peace Richard. You are truly missed. One of the kindest people I knew.

Philomena Tabu

September 30, 2023

Thinking of you Richard. May the Lord shine His perpetual light upon you . You are truly missed.

Philomena Tabu

January 24, 2023

Just found out about Richard's passing. I'm beyond heartbroken. He was such a gentleman.

Tanisha Small

October 4, 2022

Your truly missed

Kathy and Chris (Colatrella) Waters

June 6, 2022

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dick's passing. My family and I knew Dick going back to UMass days. He always tried to stay in touch whenever he was in the Boston area. Dick was always so kind and thoughtful. He truly loved his family. He was such a good man and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace Dick.

Frank Warner

June 1, 2022

Our hearts are broken with Dickie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank & Donna Warner

Butch Agnew

June 3, 2022

I was extremely saddened by the news of Dick´s passing. We have been good friends for a long time since we were next door neighbors in Malvern in the mid eighties. We did some fishing together when I lived in the area and kept in touch and swapped fish stories over the years. Dick was always up for a new adventure. We had recently tales about getting together to discuss old times. He passed way to early and will be missed by all that knew him.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Bob Irvin

Planted Trees

Tom St. John

June 2, 2022

I had the great pleasure of coaching Dickie at Thomas Johnson High School; and more importantly, sharing a strong friendship long afterwards. We enjoyed many wonderful days on the golf course catching up on each others lives. Bet and I developed a great friendship with Dick Sr. and Doris as our neighbors on Old Frederick Road.
Our love goes out to Debbie and the rest of the family as we fondly remember Dickie. He will be missed...

John Nurthen

June 1, 2022

So so very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Dick always had time for ya with the greatest respect. A down to earth giving and wonderful person. Not too many like him that you meet in your lifetime. Rest in peace buddy as you move on to your next adventure. You were a great friend.

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Memorial Events
for Richard Ashenfelter

Jun

4

Visitation

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

D'Anjolell Memorial Home of Malvern/Frazer

392 Lancaster Ave., Frazer, PA 19355

Funeral services provided by:

Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A. - Frederick

1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702

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