Richard Joseph Mayr

Richard Joseph Mayr of Annapolis died on April 25,2023, following a valiant stand against brain cancer. He was born July 8, 1953, in Davidsonville, MD. Growing up there gave him a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. He looked forward to every growing season. Richard was known for his bountiful, varied tomato crops. A Davidsonville neighbor said, “Richard was such a good man, and every time I look over at his garden, I think of him on his tractor, tenderly caring for his garden.” This care extended to the two cats, Clara and Bumpy, living there and accustomed to being fed daily, in all kinds of weather.

Richard read widely and had an in-depth knowledge of history, current events, music, and composers. A classical guitar player, he also liked fiddling with other instruments. He liked cooking and sharing meals. Friends valued his “unique sense of humor, sharp intellect, and curiosity about all things.”

He worked for a short time at the Annapolis Community Action Agency, followed by a long career in the Inspector General’s Division of the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, DC. He retired in 2013. Co-workers appreciated his steadiness and kindness. While there, he won a number of awards for work performance. Richard was a graduate of the University of Maryland.

Richard married Mary Evelyn Bell in 1995, though they were together 15 years earlier. Their union was marked by laughter, good conversation, and occasional scrappiness. Richard was fortunate to be at home in the world and at peace with himself, a rare, gentle soul. He will be missed daily and always. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Caroline Mayr Milstead, of Danville, Virginia. Richard is predeceased by his parents, Thomas Edward Mayr and Mary Bottner Mayr and his brother, Thomas Henry Mayr.

A celebration of life will be held September 23 at 11 AM at the Annapolis Friends Meeting House. Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank or the Boys and Girls Clubs of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.