Richard Lee Meehan

Richard Lee Meehan was born on September 19, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, to James and Elizabeth Meehan. After losing his sister to meningitis when he was one, Rich grew up with his brother James, who was older by three years. Money was tight, but somehow his parents were able to send James and Rich to Catholic grade school and high school. Their parents instilled in them the importance of faith, especially during hard times.

When Rich was a senior in high school, James was killed in the Korean War. Despite this devastating loss, Rich started college at The Ohio State University and went on to graduate from its College of Dentistry. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Public Health Service and in 1961, he moved to Seattle and met his future wife, Pat. They married the following year and eventually settled in the LA area in 1968. He taught at USC Dental School for several years, then practiced dentistry in Torrance.

Rich and Pat’s greatest achievement was their family. They were blessed to be able to provide their children with a Catholic education. All six of their children graduated from Catholic grade school and high school, and 5 graduated from Catholic colleges. Their children gave them 22 grandchildren, and 3 (soon to be 4) great-grandchildren.

Rich and Pat worked together for four years as a presenting team in Marriage Encounter. They were then asked to start Engaged Encounter in the Los Angeles Archdiocese and for the next ten years they started Engaged Encounter in seven other dioceses, including ones in Hawaii and Ireland. They eventually became Regional Coordinators for the South West United States.

The significance of Marriage Encounter and Engaged Encounter in Rich’s life cannot be overstated; in them, Rich felt empowered to give to others, and they gave him the forum to use his gifts for the good of his community. Marriage Encounter and Engaged Encounter built on the values Rich’s parents had taught him, and inspired him to serve God by serving others. After retiring from Engaged Encounter, he continued giving of himself. For 18 years he practiced dentistry on Fridays at the LA Catholic Worker’s Skid Row Dental Clinic. Volunteering with the Catholic Worker was another life-changing experience, broadening his life and his outlook.

Rich believed strongly in the value of Catholic education. He was involved with and supported many Los Angeles-area Catholic schools: San Miguel, St. Lawrence Brindisi, St. Thomas the Apostle, Verbum Dei, Bishop Montgomery, Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Victory, Dolores Mission, Nativity, Notre Dame Academy, and Presentation Learning Center. He also championed the St. Sebastian Sports Program.

From his first breath to his last, he seemed to be in perpetual motion. He channelled his inexhaustible energy into athletics, playing baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and Pilates, but he loved the simple sport of running. Marathons gave him the opportunity to test his physical limits as well as hold long conversations with fellow runners. He shared his enthusiasm with his children, coaching all six and devotedly cheering them as they (and later their children) competed. Ever the loyal fan, Rich travelled all over the country to root for his teams - Knights, Cubs, Belles, Midshipmen, Buckeyes, and Fighting Irish.

At 76, Rich retired from dentistry but did not slow down. His life centered on spoiling his grandchildren, serving on Catholic school boards, and caring for Pat as her health declined. He lovingly attended to her for 12 years, considering this his most significant ministry. After losing Pat, Rich found love and companionship with Gail Capers, marrying her in 2018. He shared his distinct perspective with her, and she brought him new friendships and renewed his love of life.

Rich was known for his boundless energy, his quick (often off-color) wit, his generosity and his genuine interest in other people, but he will be remembered most by those who love him as a loving, impassioned, faith-filled Catholic.

Richard Lee Meehan died peacefully on July 13, 2026, surrounded by his adoring family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia, his parents James and Elizabeth, his brother James, his sister Elizabeth, and his grandson Seamus. He is survived by his loving wife Gail Capers Meehan; by his children Meg, Mike (Wendy), Mollie, Kerry (John), Amy (Tony), and James (Kristin); by his grandchildren Ellie, Mary Kate and Gracie (Tyler), Caity (Adam) and Elizabeth, Maxwell, Delaney and Jack Henry, Cormac Richard (Lindsay), Aidan (Rachel), Ronan and Finnbar, Bo Lee, Olivia and Patrick James, Charlie, Julia Lee, Annie, Claudia, Patricia and Violet; and by his (nearly) four great-grandchildren Emma, Sylvie, Isabella, and soon-to-be Bethany.

Rosary at Bishop Montgomery High School Retreat Center, 5430 Torrance Blvd, Torrance CA on Sunday July 26th, 2026 at 5pm.

Next day, Monday July 27th, 2026, Funeral Mass at St. John Fisher Church, 5448 Crest Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes CA at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, may we suggest a donation to Bishop Montgomery High School ( the Patricia J. Meehan Memorial Endowment Scholarship), San Miguel Catholic School and the Los Angeles Catholic Worker.