Richard Owen McNamara, mechanical engineer
Richard “Rick” Owen McNamara, 81, of Lansdowne, Pa., passed away Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born May 7, 1940, in Pottsville, Pa., son of the late John and Verna (Sims) McNamara.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Jean and Frank Baldino, and Diane and J.W. Lloyd; and his partner of over 35 years, Marie Ritchie. He is survived by his ex-wife, Barbara Dunn; his two daughters, Karen McNamara and partner Rebecca Della-Rodolfa, and Lori Gallagher and her husband Brian; his two grandchildren, Megan and Ryan; his twin brother, Robert McNamara and his wife Rose; and his many nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Drexel University, Rick made his career as a mechanical engineer, working for various companies throughout his lifetime including PECO, General Electric and Martin Marietta. His work included quality control on the production of space shuttle parts, and he had a hand in designing the thermal protection tiles.
He lived most of his life in Delaware County and enjoyed spending time with his many close friends and family. He was a diehard Phillies fan, enjoyed golfing, and loved music, a good time and always liked to dance. He was a terrific piano player and even in his later years, after suffering a major stroke at the age of 58, he was known to dance with the ladies at the day programs he attended and would play piano with one hand at family gatherings.
In 2010, following the death of his partner Marie Ritchie, his daughter Karen (and Becky) took him to live in their home in Rehoboth Beach where he was active at the CHEER Center in Lewes. He enjoyed frequenting the Elks Lodge and AMVETS with his brother Bob, whom he loved spending his time with in their regular visits. Being the older twin, he shared a remarkable lifelong bond with his “little brother” Bob.
Although paralyzed on one side and with his speech severely impacted by his stroke, Rick had remarkable resilience and strength. He maintained a great degree of independence for himself, and maintained a positive and even playful attitude over the years. He was well known to his peers wherever he went, and especially to the staff and residents at Harbor Healthcare where he resided the last four years. He was especially known for his strong handshakes, the reason why the ladies and staff called him the Bone Crusher. He loved regular visits with his best girl, Gracie. A well-behaved and loving Boxer, his dog was a favorite with the residents, and he was always proud to show her off during their visits.
Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. McNamara's name to the American Heart Association, heart.org.
Visit Richard’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
