Richard “Rich” J. Meyer, age 81, passed away at Anne Arundel Medical Center on June 20, 2023 after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend to many. He is predeceased by his father John Meyer, mother S. Margaret Jurotich Meyer, and sister Susan Henderson.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Meyer, son Douglas Meyer, daughter Karen Schemmel, son-in-law Michael Schemmel, grandchildren Gregory Meyer, Abigail Schemmel, William Schemmel, and sister Rosemary Sampson.
Rich grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he played soccer, basketball and football throughout his youth. He attended St. John’s University in Minnesota, and then transferred to St. Louis University. After graduating from St Louis University in 1963, Rich moved from Missouri to Maryland to work for the National Security Agency as a mathematician. His combination of technical and management skills led him to the top echelons of the NSA. By all accounts, he was an extraordinary leader and was awarded the National Security Agency’s Exceptional Civilian Service Award. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Agency to work for Raytheon, a defense contractor. Five years later, he returned to NSA for a few more years before going to work for Federal Data Systems, a position he held until he passed.
Rich was a thoroughbred racing fan most of life. In 1984 he partnered with his first group of associates to purchase three racehorses. He discovered a new passion in researching bloodlines to aid in the purchase of horses at the sales. Along with some friends, he created a partnership called M. O. M. Stables, with Josephine Owens and then Timothy Keefe as his trainers. Together this team had good success with the horses acquired.
Rich was a member of Horsemen’s Benefit Protection Association, where he worked with the Maryland State Legislature to establish a pension plan for the horsemen where previously none had existed. He was also instrumental in having regularly scheduled health fares for the back stretch employees, exercise riders, grooms and anyone else that worked on the back stretch. He was a member of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association and was Vice President and President for several years.
He was dearly loved by his family and was extremely close with both his children and grandchildren. He was our rock and our foundation and words cannot express the enormity of this loss. He was also the favorite uncle for many nieces and nephews, and the dear big brother to his two sisters. He also served as a mentor, advisor, and dear friend to so many. He was often the life of the party wherever he went. He was truly one in a million and has touched the lives of many people in different ways.
Family & friends were invited to celebrate Richard’s life on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.
A Memorial Mass for Richard was offered on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10am in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.
To view the many heartfelt messages from those who loved Rich – please see the funeral home’s online page.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to:
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/
ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/