Richard Russell Lehman II

Richard Russell Lehman II, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died June 19, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina, of natural causes following several years of battling dementia. He was 84.

Russ was born on October 29, 1941, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, to Richard R. Lehman I and Eleanor Lehman (née Bittner). He grew up in Monaca, Pennsylvania, alongside his two sisters and brother. At a young age, Russ learned to love the game of golf, and his first job was as a caddy.

After graduating from Aliquippa High School in 1959, Russ went to Philadelphia to attend Drexel Institute of Technology and earned a degree in business in 1963. Three years later, he married Judith Hanna on December 3, 1966, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. They later welcomed a daughter, Anne, and Russ and Judy valued time spent with their family. The Lehman family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1987 and quickly acclimated to their new community, developing great friendships with their Aspen Court neighbors, where they lived for 37 years.

Russ spent his professional life in chemical sales, ending his long career as director of CHIPCO Business, which provided pest control products for golf courses at Rhône-Poulenc. In retirement, Russ continued working at Raleigh Country Club, caring for the greens and staying connected to the game he loved. He also served his country as a member of the Army National Guard.

Often seen as a quiet guy, he made some exceptions to that personality trait. He could be found on Christmas Eve reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to his grandchildren and cheering them on at their sporting events. During the time his grandchildren lived in the United Kingdom, he would often visit to see them perform in childhood shows, and he loved going to the Christmas fair in their town.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, his parents, and brother-in-law Roger Skinner.

Russ is survived by his daughter, Anne L. Mehr, and her husband, Amir S. Mehr of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren Matthew C. Mehr, Madelyn H. Mehr, and Harrison T. Mehr; and siblings Gretchen Skinner of Parkland, Florida, John Lehman of Monaca, Pennsylvania, and Beth (James) Holimon of Sapphire, North Carolina.

A service will be held on Friday, June 26, at 1 p.m. at St. Philip Lutheran Church at 7304 Falls of Neuse Rd. in Raleigh. For those who wish to donate in memory of Russ, the family encourages gifts to St. Philip Church or alternatively, the Wounded Warrior Project.