Richard Olaf Rosenmeier

Richard was born and raised in Avenel, New Jersey. He attended Woodbridge High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, particularly in mathematics and football. His gift for math would shape the course of his life when he agreed to tutor Geraldine Friguletto, beginning a bond that lasted 75 years, including 72 years of marriage, until the day of his passing. Together, “Dicky and Jer” built a life full of love, adventure, laughter, and devotion to family.

After graduating high school, Richard proudly served in the United States Air Force in the Strategic Air Command. Following his military service, he attended Newark College of Engineering, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1960, he joined PSE&G in a management position and remained with the company for 37 years, never taking a single sick day. He eventually rose to become Head of Auto Maintenance, overseeing the company’s fleet operations. His expertise and leadership led to his election as President of the National Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia.

In 1965, Dick and Jerry settled in Clark, New Jersey, where they raised their three children and spent more than 30 years building lifelong friendships and treasured memories. They were beloved neighbors and legendary hosts, especially known for their annual Christmas parties, where guests could not enjoy a beverage until they placed an ornament on the tree. By the end of the evening, the tree was always beautifully decorated, and everyone left smiling.

Dick and Jerry embraced life’s adventures together, including flying throughout the Caribbean in a small plane with dear friends Walter and Shirley Vilsmeier. Dick served as navigator and was known for always getting everyone safely to their destination — despite one memorable occasion involving Cuban airspace.

Upon retiring in 1997, Dick and Jerry began a new chapter in the Landfall community of Wilmington, North Carolina. There, they quickly became active and cherished members of the community, with Dick serving on several Landfall boards.

Dick had a lifelong passion for antique cars and lovingly restored several, including a 1917 Model T. He earned a reputation as someone who could fix absolutely anything. He also treasured summers and vacations with family in Long Beach Island, where he claimed to be able to manipulate the weather for optimum enjoyment, helped create legendary ghost stories, and attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to get one grandchild to step on a jelly donut.

Above all else, Richard loved his family. He was deeply proud of his Danish heritage and cherished the close bond he shared with his brothers, Jack and John. Together they enjoyed fly fishing, sports, and spirited political debates that became family legend. Dick was a devoted father to Susan, Karen, and Erik, serving throughout their lives as coach, superfan, counselor, tutor, and master fixer. He brought that same love and enthusiasm to his five grandchildren — Josh, Alli, Casey, Mattie, and Bailey — all of whom adored “Pop-Pop” and his seemingly endless superpowers.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Elinor Rosenmeier, and by his brothers, John and Jack.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Geraldine “Jerry” (Friguletto) Rosenmeier; his children, Susan Geisler and husband Tom, Karen Fritz and husband Rusty, and Erik Rosenmeier and wife Margo; and his five grandchildren: Josh (Greer), Alli (Abhi), Casey (Stephen), Mattie (David), and Bailey.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” on Monday June 15th at 11am at the Frank H. Kenan Chapel at Landfall, 510 Arboretum Drive, Wilmington NC 28405.