Richard James Lish

Richard James Lish, 80, passed away at Brightview Senior Living (Wellspring Village) in Severna Park, MD, on July 18, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia. Richard (known to many as Lishy, Rich Lish, Ricky, Ritchie, and Corky) was born in Elizabeth, NJ on April 12, 1945, to Elmer Wilbur Lish and Helene (Hreha) Lish. Richard graduated from North Plainfield High School in 1963 and went on to earn his BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Richard was best known for his decades-long career in teaching science and biology, earning the nickname of "Lishy" from his cherished students at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District. Richard married Donna (Ruggerio) Lish, and together they had three children: Helena Mae, Jessie Rose, and André Jameson (who they fondly refer to as "H," "Rosebud," and "Dré," respectively). Though Richard and Donna eventually parted ways, they are forever connected through the lives of their children and grandchildren. Richard moved to Severna Park, MD in 2021 and spent the remainder of his years being cared for by his second family, Brightview Senior Living staff (for whom we are eternally grateful). Richard was an avid runner, toeing the start line of dozens of road races over several decades. He boasted a "3:34 and change" PR in the Maryland Marathon and always had the best advice: "Don't go out too fast. Pace yourself. Listen to your body and take what it gives you." When he wasn't wearing running gear, Richard could be seen sporting one of his 100+ neck ties and elaborate business attire during his teaching days. During summers off from teaching, Richard and his best friend Marty ran their own house painting business, and his teaching attire morphed into his go-to painter's pants/shorts and white t-shirt. When he wasn't painting or teaching, Richard was seen on the sidelines of his kids' sporting events as their #1 cheerleader (and afterwards, he could be found on his favorite couch "resting my eyes" [his phrase for "napping"]). He was often decked out in Radford University and James Madison University attire to support his kids, various Boston Celtics shirts and swag, and road race shirts he'd earned over the years. He was regularly seen toting his Coleman 'lil Oscar cooler to every paint job and youth sporting event imaginable. His "retired" running shoes soon became piggy banks, loaded with coins that his children and grandchildren would receive. Phew, that was a lot – but there is more! Richard enjoyed spending time gardening, fishing, and walking his many dogs (Tippy, Brandy, Lexie, and Peaches) over the years. He enjoyed a Jersey Mike's sub done "Mike's Way" and never once turned down an ice cold Coca Cola or hot dog (with raw onion). He walked/ran his journey of life "one day at a time." Richard was the kindest, funniest, most empathetic man – we will strive to make him proud earthside! Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Helene, as well as his brother, Robert John Lish. Richard has passed his love for the Boston Celtics, running, gardening, fishing, and dogs to those he is survived by: Daughter, Helena Mae Cirillo (Nicholas IV); daughter, Jessie Rose Morgan (Daniel IV); and son, André Jameson Lish (Samantha). Richard ("Grandpa") is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Aiden Ryan West, Landon Lee West and Nicholas Christopher Cirillo V (Helena); Daniel Treadwell Walden Morgan V and Jack Richard Morgan (Jessie); and Avery Danielle Lish and Evan Christopher Lish (André). Additionally, Richard is survived by his sister-in-law Valerie Lish and nephew Robert Lish (Kat) of Steamboat Springs, CO; his close friend Carolyn Neumann ("Neumie"); as well as his caregiver and special friend, Ternerra Finch. Richard will be laid to rest with his parents in Hollywood Memorial Park & Cemetery (1500 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, NJ 07083). A celebration of life and toast to Richard and the Boston Celtics will be held with close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider running/walking a road race (any distance) and raising funds for the charity/cause of your choosing. Remember "don't go out too fast" and "pace yourself," and Richard will be there to see you to the finish line! In the words of Richard: "This is Rich Lish! Greetings, my friends. I'm currently unavailable. Please say some words, and I'll get back to you, and enjoy your day, and go, Celtics!"