Dr. Richard A. Anderson, 90, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2017.
He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Patricia, sons Edward (Amy) and David (Maureen), grandchildren Joshua, Katy, Curran (JW), Sally, Emily, and great-granddaughter Roxanne.
Dick was born in Albany, N.Y. to Rose and Arthur Anderson (deceased) and attended the Albany Academy. After graduation he enlisted in the Coast Guard at the height of World War II, and was trained as a radar technician. By the time the war ended, he had served his country and was a fully-trained landing craft commander. After military service, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, N.Y., graduating with a bachelor’s degree as a member of the Class of 1949. As an undergraduate, Dick loved playing football and lacrosse, and competing in track and boxing. While continuing his studies as a post-graduate, he served as an assistant coach for the RPI football and lacrosse teams. Upon earning his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from RPI, Dick was employed by Esso, starting out in the Bayway refinery in Newark N.J.
During his distinguished career as an executive in the global petroleum industry, Dick served as a designated Industry Representative for negotiations with OPEC, president of Gulf Oil Asia, vice president of Gulf Oil Corporation, executive vice president of Commonwealth Reorganization, and international vice president of the Christian Broadcasting Network. Dick also worked as a management consultant, assisting numerous companies in many varied industries until he retired as president of Damons East Carolina, Ltd.
With his loving wife, Dick traveled the world for many years and made many lifelong friends, especially during his 5 years living in Japan with his family. After retirement, Dick and Pat moved from Pittsburgh to Hilton Head Island, then eventually to Peachtree City, Ga. to be close to their growing family. Dick enjoyed spending time with Pat visiting friends old and new, and he was an active member of South Metro Ministries and then the Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
He moved to Lenbrook in 2015. His family expresses deep gratitude to Frances, Carol, and the Lenbrook staff for the excellent care Dick received for the last 10 years of his life as he kept up his generous spirit and was always smiling. He is greatly missed by the many people he touched close to home and around the globe.
In lieu of flowers Dr Anderson has requested donations payable to “Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute” with “Rose and Arthur Anderson Memorial Scholarship” written in the note section. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3164, Boston, MA 02241-3164.
