Dr. Richard Sang Rhee M.D. F.A.A.N.

Richard Sang Chul Rhee, M.D., affectionately known as "Sang", 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center in hospice care after a brief terminal illness. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and distinguished physician, Sang lived a life defined by generosity, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to family, community, and the practice of medicine. Born on March 13, 1939, in Seoul, South Korea, to parents Yong Woo Rhee and On Kyung Rhee-Yu, Sang was the third of seven children. His early years were spent in various cities across Korea, including Cheonan, Daegu, and Mokpo. He grew up surrounded by the love and lively energy of his siblings: the late Sangerk and Myungseon, and surviving siblings Myungjin, Myunghyun, Myungwon, and Myungin. He would go on to live in Washington D.C., several boroughs in New York City, and Eatontown, Rumson, and finally Ocean Township in New Jersey. On March 2nd,1969, Sang married the love of his life, Diana Joan Gallo, at St. Bartholomew's Church in Elmhurst, Queens. Together, they built a life rooted in love, respect, and shared dreams. Richard was immensely proud of his two sons, David KwangHee Rhee (born December 1969) and William ChoongHee Rhee (born March 1972). Among other highlights for Richard were moving into his first house with Diana, launching his first boat, taking the long and arduous road toward becoming a respected physician, and becoming a leader in the Korean American Community. Richard's intellectual curiosity and drive were evident from an early age, leading him to pursue a medical education at the Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine. His dreams took him to the United States, where he completed his residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., followed by training at Bellevue NYU Hospital, Queens General Hospital, and Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. He later completed a prestigious fellowship at the Neurological Institute of Columbia University Medical Center, further specializing in neurology. He held appointments at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center, and the Medical Center of Ocean County (Point Pleasant and Brick hospitals). A gifted physician and passionate healer, Dr. Rhee practiced neurology for more than 50 years and was a founder of Jersey Shore Neurology Associates, PA, where he retired from only last year. His dedication earned him board certifications in Neurology, Internal Medicine, Neurophysiology/EEG, EMG, and Neuroimaging, along with credentials in Acupuncture, Sleep Medicine, Long-Term Epilepsy, and Intraoperative Monitoring. He held academic appointments at Columbia University and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and was widely admired by his peers and patients alike. Among his many accolades, Dr. Rhee received the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom, the Prime Minister's Award of the Republic of Korea, and the President's Award from the Korean American Medical Association (KAMA) of NJ & Greater NY. He was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Catholic Medical College of America Association and was selected for the NJ Ethic Advisory Board Award by Governor Christine Whitman. Additionally, he held achievements such as President of the Monmouth County Medical Society, was a member of the NJ Board of Medical Examiners, and myriad other accolades. Throughout his life, Dr. Rhee remained deeply involved in the Korean American community. He served as president and a longtime member of the Korean-American Association of NJ and helped establish the Korean American Heritage Foundation (KAHF) to preserve Korean culture in the U.S and was invited to be a member of the Reunification Team visiting North Korea. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was a man of boundless passions. An accomplished photographer, he held several photographic exhibitions showcasing his love for capturing life's beauty. He found peace in his garden, exhilaration on the open seas as a sailboat enthusiast, and joy in traveling the world with his family. His adventures took him to destinations as awe-inspiring as the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Galápagos Islands. He also loved animal and nature films, a good soccer match, and the occasional prizefight. As a founding member and retired elder of Monmouth Grace United Methodist Church, Richard exemplified selflessness. For over 45 years, he supported the church community, volunteering his time and resources to operate a free medical clinic after Sunday services. His warmth, generosity, and surprising sense of humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him, but he was also stubborn, persistent, and single-minded when pursuing a goal. He believed that he could accomplish anything if he worked hard enough to achieve it. Dr. Rhee was predeceased by his parents, Yong Woo and On Kyung Rhee-Yu, his brother Sangerk Rhee, and his sister Myungseon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diana J. Rhee; his sons, David KwangHee Rhee and Dr. William ChoongHee Rhee (Jessica Henderson Rhee); his granddaughters, Everette Mica Rhee and Elliott Isla Rhee; his siblings Myungjin (Nakpil) of Korea, Myunghyun (Sangyoung) of California, Myungwon of NYC, and Myungin of Georgia; Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in- law Edward Gallo, and several nieces and nephews, David Y. Rhee (Yoonhee), Steven, Donald and Jean Lee, Daniel and Kevin Kim, Arnold and Jian Chung, Jessica Kim (Jimmy), Daniel and Samuel Jung, Minhae and Hyosuk Kang, Yoonku Chiyoon, and several great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as countless friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives he touched. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 28, at Monmouth Grace United Methodist Church (76 Wyckoff Rd, Eatontown, NJ) from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a service from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall after the service. A private funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 29.
In honor of Richard, the family kindly requests that Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Monmouth Grace United Methodist Church, payable to: Monmouth Grace United Methodist Church, 76 Wyckoff Rd., Eatontown, NJ 07724 in memory of Dr. Richard Sang Chul Rhee.
Special thanks to Rev. Hosuk Chung, Mr. Joseph Kim, and the members of Monmouth Grace United Methodist Church for their love and support. Dr. Rhee lived and practiced medicine by the words of his longtime hero, Albert Schweitzer: "I cannot but have Reverence for all that is called life. I cannot avoid compassion for everything that is called life. That is the beginning and foundation of morality." Sang's life was a testament to compassion, resilience, and the belief that any dream is possible through hard work and unwavering faith. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.