Richard Johnson Muller

Richard Johnson Muller died on Monday, October 17, 2016 having enjoyed a long loving and productive life. He passed away peacefully at 87 surrounded by family in Alexandria, Virginia. His death from natural causes came a week after his 64th wedding anniversary with Barbara Reading Muller.

His passion for living every moment explained his varied career as a country music DJ after graduating from Bard College, moving on to radio news announcer at WICH in Norwich, Connecticut followed by news director at KDKA in Pittsburgh, public relations and government affairs at Chrysler Corporation for 30 years first in Detroit and then Washington, D.C., Member of the 1980 Reagan Transition Team for NASA, and a volunteer in retirement as an ESL instructor and 20 years in the Alexandria Police Department communications division.

His career opened doors to the rest of the world. Captivated by international travel that included the Far East, Central and South America and Europe, his favorite was the United Kingdom. He so loved the land of Churchill he became a self-proclaimed anglophile. Time in the Cotswold, Mayfair and Kensington as well as hosting each of his grandchildren for a personal visit to London gave him joy and filled him with pride.

He was a recreational pilot flying small Cessnas, gourmet cook, and master gardener creating an elegant English garden in the backyard of their 200-year-old family home in Old Town Alexandria. A home they lovingly restored with a Williamsburg flair where they celebrated life for 40 years.

He became a connoisseur of life. Driven by a desire for new experiences and the opportunity to meet people of unusual backgrounds and interests different than his own. His kindness, curiosity and conversation helped him make friends anywhere.

His life was balanced by the deep love, devotion and shared interests he had with his wife, partner and travel companion, Barbara.

Mr. Muller was born in Princeton, NJ.

Richard (Dick) is survived by his wife, three children, Melissa Bernhardt (John) of Columbia, Missouri; Richard (Chip) Muller, Jr. (Rozanne) of Hixson, Tennessee and David Muller (Patricia) of Corona del Mar, California, and four grandchildren, Matt and Tessa Bernhardt, Daryl and Channing Muller.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Julius (Dick) Muller, and brothers, James and Edward.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be Friday, October 21, 2016 (11am) at Christ Church Alexandria followed by a reception and private graveside service at Ivy Hill in Alexandria.

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA.