Richard Elmer Sanderson

02/26/1936 - 08/13/2025

Richard "Dick" Elmer Sanderson, 89, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away at his home on August 13, 2025.

Dick was born in Saxton, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Mary Belle (Mears) Sanderson on February 26, 1936. He attended high school in Holland Patent, New York, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College.

Working as a public information officer for Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, Dick met a young second lieutenant named Barbara Shuman. After a whirlwind courtship, they wed on September 25, 1967, and had a long and happy marriage.

For the last several years, Dick served as a senior advisor with Dawson & Associates, a leader in advocacy and technical services involving Federal land, water, endangered species, and other environmental issues.

Dick had an accomplished career with over 42 years of service in the Federal government. He was a member of the Senior Executive Service and was the recipient of the EPA's Distinguished Career Service Award, the President's Meritorious Executive Award and the HUD Certificate of Merit.

As the Director of the Office of Federal Activities for the EPA, Dick was intimately involved with drafting and implementing regulations regarding flood plain management, endangered species and historic preservation. Prior roles in environmental policy included Deputy Director of EPA's Office of External Affairs and a fellowship with the Senate Environment and Public Works. He spent several years with FEMA and its predecessor agencies, serving as the Federal Coordinating Officer for natural disasters including Hurricane Agnes and floods in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and Buffalo Creek, West Virginia. Early in his career, he worked for the President's Office of Economic Opportunity and served in a civilian capacity with the Air Force.

He was active in community activities including leadership roles with local community concert associations, history and arts councils, and local chambers of commerce.

Dick was a devoted son, brother, father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Belle Sanderson, and sisters Sue Sperry and Sally Thomson. Dick is survived by his wife Barbara, children Robert and Nicole, son-in-law Richard, sister Linda, and grandchildren Rachel, Jasmine, Jake and Shayne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.

Dick's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Jennifer Primeggia, the care team at Avalon Home Nursing (Jasmin, Lucy, Becky and Nate) and long-time caregiver Art Mejares.

Funeral services and burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the National Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Falls Church, Virginia.