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RICHARD DANGEL Obituary

DANGEL--Dr. Richard F., national expert on child abuse prevention, dies of Lewy Body Dementia at 72. As a tenured professor at The University of Texas, licensed child psychologist, published author, and entrepreneur, he dedicated his life to protecting countless children through the work of the company he founded, Praesidium Inc. He also served on the boards of numerous philanthropic organizations across the country. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Blaine, her wife Lauren, and his chosen family of dear friends, all of whom will forever cherish his ridiculous humor, contagious laugh, endless generosity, and the specificity of his martini order. He was a wonderful father and the best of company. While we wish he had more time to infuse New York City with his spark and verve, we know he would be delighted to be remembered in its newspaper: he read it cover to cover every day.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD DANGEL

24 Entries

ARTHUR HORVATH JR

May 14, 2024

Rick was a special friend to me in high school (Lincoln Park) and college (Michigan State).
He last time I saw Rick was at our 50 year class reunion and I will new forget our last conversation. It was as special as the person he was.

I miss you Rick,
Art

Melissa Woods

April 12, 2022

Dr. D played a huge role in making me the woman that I am today.

As a childhood resident of Lena Pope Home, I spent many years talking with him, listening to him, and learning skills to better my life. He also taught me that no matter what I have been through in my childhood or even what I will experience in the future, to never give up.

I miss you Dr. D and RIP

Catherine (Kaye) Holcomb

March 22, 2022

Dr. D, Continue to hold you and your daughter in thought and heart. Remain grateful for time shared and all that was learned. The planet so needs you, your passion and skill set right now. You are remembered and missed.

Shay Grannan-Kuehner

July 14, 2021

I had the honor of working with Dr. Dangel for many years at Lena Pope Home, several of those years as his secretary. He was a wonderful man who continued to send me birthday cards for many years after he left Lena Pope Home. I was so sad to hear of this -- God rest his amazing and compassionate soul.

Jim Halle

May 30, 2021

I met Rick in SW school at the University of Michigan in 1971. We were good friends throughout our master's degree program there. Then, he took a position in CA and while visiting him there, I found a position that launched my career. I next met up with Rick and Bonnie at the University of Kansas where he was completing a doctorate in Human Development. He finished his degree a year or two before I did and I began to lose contact with him (and Bonnie). I reached out to him about 10-15 years ago and we had a phone call or two. For about 5 or 6 years of my life, Rick was one of my closest and best friends. He had a wicked and mischievous sense of humor and was an "mover and shaker" kind of guy. I was very sorry to read about his death and I regret not having made additional overtures to contact him. If Bonnie or Blaine read this note, I'd sincerely enjoy corresponding with them.

Catherine (Kaye) Holcomb, LCSW

May 1, 2021

A few nights ago, for some reason, I woke up in the middle of the night and found myself doing a google search for Dr. D. A short while before that, I tried to reach him at Praesidium and learned he had retired or something of the sort. Seemed quite odd to me, couldn't imagine him fully removing himself from his work. His energy and stamina resulting in him traveling to do his work across the country and elsewhere, I know I was regularly in awe of how he kept his schedule up. So, in my search, I found this notice here and I'm pretty sure I'm still in shock. I'm deeply saddened by his diagnosis and him leaving this earth way too soon! My heart and thoughts strongly go to his daughter and those closest to him. My work circumstances lead me to working at a facility in way W. Texas, where he provided his expertise and would travel in to do so 1-2x/monthly. I had the fortunate circumstance of later working from a distance as well, traveling in myself and on occasion we were both lodged in the same large guest house (set up for individuals to have their own private space but also had an open, good kitchen and living room area). I looked forward to our schedules jiving and getting to connect. I stopped about 14 years ago at this point and I still miss getting to meet up. Having some wine, talking about various things, watching this news anchor who entirely cracked me up, not talking to finish documentation, his friends and talking about a gathering he was hosting for friends at his Texas home, discussing Mexican food options, working to make it as authentic as possible. He was full of life, a brilliant mind with a fierce heart and used it relentlessly to educate and protect the most vulnerable, nationally and also, internationally I believe. I recall him speaking often, both fondly and proudly of his daughter. Not gloating, as no need, just matter of factly of some aspects of what she was up to then or planning a visit, leaving the obvious impression of how awesome she is. He has been heavily on my heart for the last several years and regret not more aggressively working to reach out to him. I'm glad to see he was in NYC, close to whom I imagine the most important person in his world resides. I hope it provides some comfort to those who were his dear loved ones, that he was so admired, thought well of and highly respected by so many. He's touched so many, providers as well as youth. I'm grateful for my time learning from him and getting to have down time to get to know him better. Sending many blessings to his daughter, loved ones and friends. May he Rest In Peace!!

Roberta Ballard

April 10, 2021

Rick and I began a friendship during our junior high school days in Lincoln Park , Mi. We shared this friendship lives throughout the years. His engaging personality ,wit and humor will always be remembered. All my condolences to his family and friends,

Diane P Talts

April 6, 2021

A very dear nephew to a dear friend Dawn Hartye, Rickie was always there for Dawn and Fred. A very kind man with a loving heart, he devoted himself helping others. Rest in peace Rickie, I am sure you and Dawnie are having martini's together in heaven. That is the last I remember of you two, sitting together in Dawn's backyard, she a week away from departing this word, each of you with a drink in hand. Thank you for all you did for the troubled youth of these times and especially for my dear friend Dawn.

April 5, 2021

God bless your soul and your family, sir. I was privileged to have Dr. Dangel as a professor and mentor at UTA while working towards my MSSW degree. His passing leaves an unfillable void for many. We are better humans for knowing him.
Mike Hoskins
Student, class of 1989

Jacob Mcewen

April 4, 2021

May he Rest In Peace

Jacob Mcewen

April 4, 2021

I can’t believe this actually happened this man was a great man may he Rest In Peace we all love you ♥

Tracy Johnson

April 4, 2021

Can’t believe your gone you were a very loving and kind man. I loved you, Dawn and Mr,Fred very much you guys were like family to me. You will truly be missed. RIP my friend

Sarah

April 3, 2021

One of the most Caring and compassionate people I’ve had in my life through the hard times. “I’ll be your father so you can have one”, that’s what he said to me while offering me coffee and snacks from the administration room knowing he wasn’t supposed to, but he didn’t care because he thought it dumb rule. He helped many people and Gave them laughter and light in each session. No one could say anything bad about him. He was the person people wanted to see once a month just because he made them feel safe and he would actually talk to us kids about our problems and help to remember you can get through it& move forward.
Such a heartbreaking loss.
May he Rest In Peace

Tracy

April 3, 2021

I will always remember you, Dawn Bs Me. Fred I loved u guys soo much my heart is breaking and I’m lost for words. RIP my friend with a beautiful soul

William e. McKay

April 3, 2021

Unbelievable insight, carrd about his patients, We worked together for over 30 years. I loved him like a brother.

Nancy Turley

April 3, 2021

You will be greatly missed my friend! Knowing you and calling you friend has been a joy and a privilege!

Tom Homrighaus

March 30, 2021

Rick was a fabulous mentor and colleague for me since 1988. He was more beloved by kids and workers than any other psychologist I have know. He continued to work with us long after any financial need to do so, and did so because he loved it and believed in the work. He always, not only said, but showed that no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. In the words of G. Elliot, "It is better-my life will be better because I have known you".

Stephen zimmer

March 30, 2021

Terrific individual with a huge heart. Did very impactful things in the arena of protection of children. And always the life of the party.

Onyedinma Francis Obiora

March 30, 2021

Rick, your demise is sad to me in particular and to every member of my family in general. I fell bad for your passing. I was really connected to you in the line of my duty as caregiver. Honestly, I was not seeing you as a client, rather I see you as part of my family because of your generosity and love for humanity, especially children. You were always asking me to bring my family to spend time with you. My kids want to speak with you over the phone because they miss you. One thing that gave me consolation is that I gave you my possible best care until your demise.

Accept my condolences, Blaine and family. My prayers are with you at this difficult moment.

Rest in peace, Rick. I miss you!

Francis

Francis Onyedinma

March 30, 2021

Rick, your demise is sad news to me in particular and every member of my family in general. I fell bad for your passing. I was really connected to you while caring for you as a caregiver. Honestly, I was not seeing you as a client, rather I see him as part of my family because of your generosity and love for humanity, especially children. You always asked me to bring my kids to spend time with him. That is why I feel bad for his demise. One thing that gave me consolation is that I gave you my possible best care until you passed, despite the nature of your case.

Accept my condolences Blaine & family. My prayers are with you at this difficult moment.

Rest in peace, Rick. I miss you!

Francis

Michael O'Teter

March 29, 2021

I first met “Dr. Dangel” in 1983 when he served as the psychologist for Lena Pope Home in Fort Worth, Texas. Our paths crossed numerous times during the decades since. He supported our work with the kids at LPH for 5 years before encouraging me to apply for a director’s position at Presbyterian Children’s Services in Waxahachie, where he served on the Board of Directors. He encouraged me to pursue my Master’s of Science in Social Work, where he served as a Field Instructor and mentor. And his work at Praesidium guided us at Big Brothers Big Sisters in North Texas. He really did have a tremendous impact on the field—and on me personally.

David Thomas

March 29, 2021

He was a beautiful fellow and a wonderful friend. He did a great deal of good in this world and he had fun along the way.

Carey Penney

March 28, 2021

I have such fond memories of Rick growing up as he was a friend of my dad, Don Granvold, for many years. I actually babysat for Blaine a few times. Sending love and prayers to Blaine and family! ~ Carey Granvold Penney

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