Richard A. Loranger

Richard Alan Loranger, known affectionately as Rick, passed away on July 1, 2024, at the age of 72 in Brunswick, Maine. Born on June 29, 1952, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Rick was a devoted husband, beloved family member, and a respected chemist. He bravely fought a 13-month battle with a rare, difficult-to-treat cancer. For many months he travelled to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to be treated with a new cancer drug being evaluated in a clinical trial. The family is grateful for the exceptional care he received at Dana Farber. Over the past year his job was to fight this cancer as bravely and tenaciously as he pursued other important tasks in his life.
Rick's academic journey was distinguished. He graduated from Hamburg Area High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Albright College and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Georgetown University. His professional career was marked by his long-term commitment to the US Environmental Protection Agency, where he worked from 1980 until his retirement in 2012. Rick last worked as a Senior Scientist in the Office of Pesticide Programs. Throughout his career, Rick was dedicated to environmental protection. He was awarded EPA's highest award, the Gold Medal for Exceptional Service, a peer nominated Special Achievement award of which he was most proud, as well as numerous other awards.
Beyond his professional life, Rick was passionate about gardening, photography, traveling, listening to classical and rock music, and doting on his beloved bearded collies. He enjoyed staying active through hiking and walking. He was a certified Master Gardener while living in Northern Virgina and he and Judy were members of the National Capital Bearded Collie Club. In 2021, Rick and Judy moved from Northern Virginia to Maine to be closer to family and enjoy life in beautiful Mid Coast Maine.
Rick was a compassionate, introverted, analytical, animal, plant, ice cream, and chocolate loving scientist. Many people have described him as a gentleman. He will be so greatly missed.
Rick is survived by his loving spouse, Judith Loranger, and cousins Robin and Craig Henry in Pennsylvania and his wife's cousins, Martha, Peggy, and Mary Beth in Maine. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Loranger and Jean Henry Loranger. His dog Cassidy already misses him.
Contributions in memory of Rick can be made to:
1.Union of Concerned Scientists 2 Brattle Square Cambridge, MA 02138
2. Gifts may be made to support Dr. Merriam's Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Please write checks payable to Dana-Farber and include Dr. Merriam's Research Fund in the memo section. You may also make a gift online at http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/RichardLoranger
The Stetson Funeral Home in Brunswick, Maine, is assisting the Loranger family during this difficult time. Rick's commitment to his family, his career, and his hobbies left a lasting impact on everyone he knew. His legacy will be cherished and remembered by all.