Richard H. Sines, Ph.D.

Richard H. Sines, Ph.D., age 80, passed away on November 9, 2023, at his home in Washington, DC. He is the beloved husband of Elizabeth Urbayan Sines, loving father of Katherine (Kara) Sines and Stephanie Houvenaghel-Sines. He is also survived by his younger brother and sister, John Sines and Deborah Quade, nephew John (Jeff) Sines and his nieces Allison Quade and Jennifer Borland.

Richard was born on September 1, 1943 in San Diego, California to the late John H. Sines and Belva Sheffield Sines (Handley). As a child, his family moved to Columbus, Ohio where Richard attended West High School. He was honored to have been inducted into West High’s Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as an international trade and development economist.

Richard’s career path began following his graduation from Miami (OH) University when he joined the Peace Corps. As a volunteer he taught mathematics at the Leyte Institute of Technology in Tacloban City, Philippines. Upon his return to the United States, Richard realized that his interests were in international development and he pursued and earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Economics at Ohio State University. He would go on teach at George Washington University and work for institutions such as USAID, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on projects in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Central Asia.

While in the Philippines, Richard met Elizabeth Urbayan at a party on New Year’s Eve 1965 – the first of 58 consecutive New Year’s celebrations they would spend together. They married in 1970 and they raised two daughters while living in Washington DC, Riyadh, Abidjan, Tunis, Paris, Frankfurt and Charleston.

Richard loved travelling, music and Ohio State Football. He will be remembered for his charm and kindness, his curiosity and sense of adventure. His memory will be forever treasured by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: I Know I Can. The website is listed under Memorial Contributions.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation on November 27, 2023 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown - 1315 36th Street, NW (between N and O Streets), Washington DC, 20007. The visitation will be followed by a Funeral Mass from 10:30-11:30 am also at Holy Trinity Church.

Following the Mass, family and friends are welcome to a reception at the home of Richard & Elizabeth Sines.