Richard Veleta

Richard Veleta (Dick), of Media, PA, died July 25th at age 95. He was born in Chicago to Jerome and Lydia Veleta. In 1955 he married Marjorie Diemecke in Park Ridge, IL. Richard grew up in Park Ridge and attended the public schools there, graduating as salutatorian. In high school his predominant interest was in music, especially playing the piano. He entered the School of Music at Northwestern University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. During the Korean War Richard served as division chaplain's assistant at Fort Chaffee, AK. There his previous training in organ and choir directing led him to play six services a week for a wide spectrum of religious observances. Experiences in this job were crucial in strengthening his interest in liberal religion as found in the Unitarian-Universalist tradition. While still a student at Northwestern, Richard enrolled in a class in instrumental composition. He wrote a flute sonata that was so difficult no flutist at the university could play it. However, he had heard a contest-winning flutist (who was still in high school) play a Mozart concerto in Chicago, and he presented the piece to her. She could play it and had other marvelous attributes as well. After finishing his Army service, he married her. In 1955 there were very few college teaching jobs, but Richard was offered one at New Mexico Highlands University. His students came from the towns and ranches of Northern New Mexico. Here Marjorie finished her undergraduate degrees in English and Music Education. Richard next took a position with more advanced students and better facilities at Western Illinois University in Macomb. During his tenure there he completed a doctoral degree in piano performance at Northwestern under the tutelage of Louis Crowder. In 1965 Richard accepted a job in the Keyboard Department of West Chester University of the Pennsylvania state school system. After becoming full professor, he served as department chair for ten years and retired in 2009. Richard also founded the Rose Tree Concert Series in Media, which was active for 25 years and presented chamber and solo music of all periods. Richard was predeceased by his infant son Bruce; he is survived by his wife, Marge; son, David (Paula); daughter, Ruth (Robert Hennessey); and grandson, Thomas Hennessey. He donated his body to Humanity Gifts Registry, an anatomical donation organization benefiting medical schools. Services were private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to ACLU Foundation, Feeding America, or Doctors Without Borders.