Richard John Anselmo

He was born on January 7, 1951, in Washington, D.C., to Michael Andrew and Mary Heiberger Anselmo. Richard grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his four siblings. He graduated from St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., and then from Saint Leo University in Florida. During his time at Saint Leo University, Richard joined the security and rescue squad and later became a Saint Leo police officer. After college, he built a successful construction, crane, and tree service business, which he ran with his wife until his retirement.

He married the love of his life, Patricia Perlaky, on May 4, 1974. Together they raised five sons and one daughter in Maryland. Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family—whether it be on the deck doing some target practice, cheering on his grandkids at sports games or quietly sitting with his wife discussing everything or nothing at all.

Throughout the years, Richard remained very involved in each parish as an altar server, usher, and lector. He served at St. John’s the Evangelist in Silver Spring, Maryland, St. Peter’s in Olney, Maryland, and St. Peter’s in Waldorf, Maryland.

Richard was a man of many hats: an independent business owner, mechanic, architect, builder, arborist, outdoorsman, musician, and a phenomenal teacher to all his children. He instilled in them the everyday life skills one needs to survive and become independent thinkers. He was known for his strong work ethic, his impenetrable faith in God even during tough times, and his unparalleled dedication to his family and loving wife. There was never an obstacle or project too big that he could not overcome, or something he couldn’t fix with a little bit of duct tape, a paper clip, and a smile. Family barbecues weren’t complete without his grilling expertise. It did not matter the type of food, it was going to be grilled. He was always on board for watching the new Rambo spinoff that came out or ready to answer any questions or help on a project that you might have. He was a leader, grounded in strength, courage, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and all who knew him.

He is survived by:

His wife, Patricia Perlaky Anselmo;

His children, Ryan (Erica) Anselmo, Scott (Mansi) Anselmo, Shannon (Ryan) Arlint, Sean (Lauren) Anselmo, Corey Anselmo, and Kyle Anselmo;

His five grandchildren; Arya, Aidan, Luke, Logan and Destry

His siblings, Rosemary (widow of Lloyd) Anderson, Joan (Steve) Hobbs, and Elaine (widow of Steve) Ganassa;

And many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael Andrew and Mary Heiberger Anselmo, and his brother, Michael J. (Gloria) Anselmo.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 2900 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832. The Mass will be public. A celebration of life will follow (TBA). A private burial will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Richard’s memory to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 3320 St. Peters Drive, Waldorf, MD 20601.