Richard "Dick" Powell

Though small in stature, he was truly a giant of a human being. Dick was a man who served his country with honor and his community with a tireless heart.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 13, 1944, to Louis Powell and Claire Pollinger, Dick never lost the warmth, humor, and spark of his roots.

A LIFE OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

Dick served with distinction as a Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) in the United States Air Force. His commitment to excellence continued into his civilian career in federal contracting and through his work at Andrews Federal Credit Union.

Beyond his professional titles, Dick was a trainer of leaders. He was instrumental in the International Leadership Task Force of the Barbershop Harmony Society (SPEBSQSA), where he served as chair. He possessed a unique gift for helping others realize their full potential, often guiding them with his trademark quips.

A VOICE FOR OTHERS

Music was the true heartbeat of Dick Powell’s life. A cornerstone of the international barbershop community, Dick’s influence spanned decades and genres. While he was a stalwart member of the Sons of the Severn and the Heart of Maryland Chorus, his legacy is defined by his commitment to making harmony accessible to everyone. Through his leadership on the board of the Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association and his role as the bass for Full Circle, he was instrumental in advancing mixed-voice singing. His reach extended even further as an affiliate member of Harmony, Inc. and a devoted champion of the Bella Nova Chorus, proving that his passion for the art form knew no boundaries. He was known for his humble nature, his one-of-a-kind laugh, and his dedication to the craft singing right up until his final moments with us.

His compassion extended deeply into advocacy. Dick was a fierce proponent of independent living for persons with disabilities and a long-time supporter of the Linwood Center, working to create extraordinary lives and vocational opportunities for children and adults living with autism.

FAMILY

Beyond all his professional accolades, Dick’s deepest devotion was to his family. At the heart of his world was his wife of 56 years, Roxanne Good Powell. Their marriage served as a masterclass in unconditional love, marked by his daily practice of telling her she was beautiful and loved at least ten times a day.

He is survived by his beloved Roxanne; his brother, Ronnie Powell; and his children: Claire (Jim) Rowland, Greta (Jeff) Buccellato, Fletcher Powell, Nate (Phuong) Powell, Jeremy (Kathleen) Powell, Alex (Quyen) Powell, and Zachary Powell. He was the rock and the most enthusiastic Pop-Pop to his grandchildren: Emily, Joshua, Isaac, Sean, and Noah.

DICK'S WORDS OF WISDOM TO HIS CHILDREN

Dick was a master of the clever turn of phrase. His favorite words of wisdom will forever echo in the hearts of his children, providing a lasting source of comfort and perspective.

“Life doesn’t mean anything. But it doesn’t mean anything that it doesn’t mean anything.”

“And how’s the worrying working out for you?”

“This too shall pass.”

“A pencil, because a vest has two sleeves.”

A barbershop song ends with a tag - a final, ringing chord where every voice is perfectly balanced and the overtones soar. When a tag truly rings, you can hear the barbershop angels sing. All of Dick’s life he was practicing to join the heavenly choir. His song here has ended, but his melody lingers on.

We love you.

The family will receive friends at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401 on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary Catholic Church 109 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401 on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Linwood Center in Dad’s memory:

https://www.linwoodcenter.org/donate/. "