Richard Segel

Richard M. Segel, age 78, died on October 10, 2019 at his home in Louisville, Colorado. Richard was born November 15, 1940, in New York City, NY, to Herman and Marjorie (Zipser) Segel. Richard married Bette (Butler) Segel in 1961. He graduated from Yale University in 1962, and later attained his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Yale ‘64) and then his MBA (University of Chicago ’76). 

Richard’s professional career included work as an engineer and an executive in several manufacturing firms, including serving as CEO of Pamarco Technologies and Dunmore Corporation.

Richard joined Wrightstown (Pennsylvania) Friends Meeting in 1992. At Wrightstown Meeting, Richard clerked the House and Grounds Committee, served on the Finance Committee, and clerked Wrightstown Meeting Trustees. He also served as representative from Wrightstown Meeting to the George School Board, of which he became the Chair.  Fellow members of the George School Board described him as a quintessential Friend, unflappable, able to see the heart of an issue, a consensus builder, and a calm and steady leader. He was known for his ability to listen well, for fostering new and creative initiatives, and for instilling confidence when he presented his own well-thought out ideas.  Richard’s presence at Wrightstown Meeting and on the George School Board was missed from the moment he and Bette moved away in 2012 to be closer to family in Colorado. 

After moving to Colorado, Richard transferred his membership to Boulder Friends Meeting in 2016.  He served for several years on the Building and Grounds Committee, including a period as committee convener. He assisted the Finance Committee with an internal review of the financial records of the Meeting.  Richard was generous in giving of his skills and time to Boulder Meeting while also being a caregiver to Bette and during his own illness. He will be remembered for his quiet, unassuming intelligence and his integrity.

Richard’s gentle spirit, strong intellect and wonderful sense of humor were welcome characteristics to so many loved ones. He was known for his love for aviation and all things powered by combustion engines, interests that began when he was a young boy. Richard could make friends anywhere. He loved his wife Bette dearly and was at her side with heart and love for 59 years of marriage. He was predeceased by his son Richard, who passed away in 1988. He is survived by Bette, his brother Peter, his two children Eleanor and David, and five grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Richard was held October 21, 2019 at Boulder Friends Meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Fran Boler, Archivist, Boulder Friends Meeting