Richard Roeder

1925 - 2018

Richard C. (Dick) Roeder
1925-2018
Richard C. (Dick) Roeder, 92, of Houston, Texas passed away in his sleep April 30, 2018 with his family at his side. He was born June 10, 1925 in Bronxville, NY. Dick received his degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute where he met his future wife Virginia. He traveled in Europe and spent a year in Mumbai, India, where he and a college friend opened a design office before returning to the U.S. and settling in Houston in 1950. He and Virginia married in 1951. Dick began his career at Brochstein's and Foley's, where he became Director of Store Planning. In 1965, he left to open Richard Roeder Associates (RRA), one of the first retail design firms in the United States. Dick was recognized for his expertise and innovative approach to retail design and received many testimonials and awards. Dick and Virginia were very active in the Houston art community and their extensive collection houses the works of many local artists. His belief in historic preservation led him, in 1971, to purchase and restore the building that would become his office and later their home in the future Old Sixth Ward Historic District. Dick could always be found helping friends with their projects, sailing his boat in Galveston Bay, camping with family and friends, or building things in his shop filled with tools handed down to him by his father and grandfather. If you needed a solution to a problem he was the one you turned to. A family friend was once asked, "If you were marooned on a desert island and could only have one thing with you, what would it be?" His response was emphatic: "Dick Roeder." That statement sums up the essence of who Dick was - a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He impacted many lives and will be truly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter G. and Dorothy V. Roeder; brother, Robert G. Roeder; and beloved cousin, Richard McCollum. He is survived by his wife Virginia; sister, Jean Dillard Reese; four daughters, Ramsay (Bill) Weatherford, Lee Roeder, Parke Wellman (partner Tim), Margaret (Bill) Ferranti and three grandchildren, Pratt Wellman, Andrew Wellman and Emily Ferranti. The celebration of his life will be held at a date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Texas A&M Maritime Academy, The Nature Conservancy or MECA Houston.