Richard A. Weidener

(Courier News)

RICHARD A.
WEIDENER
AGE: 86 BRIDGEWATER
Richard A. Weidener, 86, died Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2008) from complications following a stroke in July.
Born in Jersey City, he grew up in Bergen County, raised his family in Berkeley Heights and continued his career and retirement in Somerset County. He and his wife of 63 years, Alice (Peterson) Weidener, wintered for many years in Fort Walton, Fla.
Mr. Weidener graduated from Lafayette College, Class of 1944, with a B.S. in chemical engineering and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Navy, 1943 to 1946.
He began his career as a chemist with National Starch and Chemical Corp. and retired after 37 years as Divisional Vice President of the Adhesives Division. Professional associations included membership in The American Chemical Society, Technical Committee of the Adhesives and Sealants Council (Washington, D.C.) and chairman of the Technical Committee, Adhesives Manufacturers Association (New York City.)
In his final year with National Starch he served as a loaned executive to The United Way of Somerset County and launched a new passion for community service. For many years he served on allocation panels for United Way, and chaired a retiree-giving program. He was on the board of directors of The Learning Gate serving as secretary, treasurer and president.
As a young man, Mr. Weidener was active as a Scoutmaster and Republican County committeeman in Bergen County. He continued his devotion to Scouting in Berkeley Heights where he also coached baseball and basketball with PAL. He and his wife were founding members of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Murray Hill, where he was Sunday School superintendent, vestry, junior and senior warden.
His wife Alice; son, Richard, Jr. and wife, Maria Rodriguez; daughter, Kathryn and husband, Peter Szego; grandsons, Daniel and Steven Yadlosky; brothers-in-law, Col. Charles Stewart and E. Truman Peterson; and 11 nieces and nephews, survive him.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at St. Andrew's Church 419 South St. New Providence, with interment following in the Garden of St. Francis. The Weideners will also have a service of remembrance at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at Arbor Glen in Bridgewater.
Memorial gifts may be made to the United Way of Somerset County or St. Andrew's Church.