Richard C. Marquardt

Richard C. Marquardt, 83 years old, peacefully passed away July 19, 2017, from Alzheimer's disease. He was the beloved husband for 61 years of Sally W. Marquardt, his childhood sweetheart, and was the son of Theresa and Roy Marquardt. For more than three and one-half decades, he was the president and CEO of Specialty Records/WEA Manufacturing, once the world's largest manufacturer of pre-recorded music. Through his commitment to his profession and the community, he provided thousands of jobs in Lackawanna County, generated funds for a wonderful array of philanthropic causes and provided the gift of music to millions around the world.

In addition to his wife, Sally, he is survived by four children, Richard Charles Marquardt Jr. of Clarks Green, Pennsylvania; CC Marquardt Donelan of Concord, Massachusetts; Cathy Sarah Marquardt of Marblehead, Massachusetts; and Jeffrey Whitmore Marquardt of Waverly, Pennsylvania; his daughter-in-law, Katie Marquardt, wife of Rick Marquardt; his eight grandchildren, Libby Sarah Marquardt, Daniel Joseph Marquardt, Theresa Jeaninne Marquardt, Megan Whitmore Donelan, Robert Bennet Donelan, Caroline Marquardt Donelan, Emily Sarah Marquardt and Camille Ann Marquardt. He was also the brother of the late Carol M. Carins, the brother-in-law of Caroline Morgan, and a much-loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 1934, Richard graduated from The Hill School and Lehigh University. He also earned the Boy Scouts of America's highest achievement of Eagle Scout. In addition to his mechanical engineering degree from Lehigh, he was an ROTC officer for the United States Air Force. After beginning his professional career with the DuPont Chemical Co., he returned to the Scranton area in 1962 and purchased a small record pressing plant with 53 employees in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, from his father, Roy. In 1978, Richard sold the business to Warner Communications, and with his continued leadership, it became the largest music manufacturing plant in the world with over 3,500 employees. Richard turned away all credit for his accomplishments, instead giving it to those many people with whom he worked and who, in turn, respected and adored him.

Known to his employees and friends as "Richard," he was a kind and approachable father, friend and business manager. He appreciated everyone and valued their contributions. The generations of employees especially appreciated his annual holiday greeting. Richard spent weeks to ensure that he personally greeted each member of the Specialty/WEA community on each shift - during all hours of the plant's 24/7 operation. He sincerely thanked them for their services and wished them a Merry Christmas and healthy New Year for themselves and their families.

Richard valued our community and served on numerous boards and civic organizations, including: The Scranton Area Community Foundation, where he served as chairman on the Board of Governors; The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; Scranton Chamber of Commerce, CMC Hospital, YMCA, the Waverly Community House, as well as many other nonprofit and volunteer organizations. He was a Deacon and Elder of Clarks Summit First Presbyterian Church and Trustee of Covenant Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Sally, were also driving forces behind the local chapter of the Alexis De Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Lackawan­na County, on whose board he served. He chaired the 1991-1992 United Way Campaign, and in 2003 Richard received the Alexis De Tocqueville Society Award from the United Way. While he knew and did business with industry leaders from all over the world, he never forgot his local roots.

Richard was a member of the Country Club of Scranton, Waverly Country Club, John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, and the Clemo Hunting and Fishing Club. Richard Marquardt was the ultimate gentleman, and a kind, courteous and honorable man. His family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of his caregivers for their kind and considerate care.

The family will receive friends and relatives to celebrate Richard's life on Monday, July 24, between the hours of 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton, Pennsylvania. Interment will be conducted privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richard C. Marquardt and Sally W. Marquardt Scholarship Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation or to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton, Pennsylvania.

To share a memory or leave the family a condolence, please visit www.duffyandsnowdon.com/site/condolence/.