Richard Speaker Jr.

Richard Speaker Jr. passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 after a short illness that arose from complications of a cancer treatment. He is survived by his wife Penny, his son Ben, and his younger brother David. He retired in 2016 after a 30-year career as a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of New Orleans. His professional life was devoted to furthering the causes for education and literacy throughout Louisiana and the rest of the world. He loved teaching and his many students. He was endlessly curious, and life-long learner, a writer, and a traveler. A private service will be held in California at a later date. Richard's family asks that in lieu of sending flowers you consider making a donation to the American Library Association.