Richard E. Lander, 88, civil engineer

Richard E. Lander, 88, of Wayne, a civil engineer, fire company leader, and Episcopal Academy alumnus, died Monday, Oct. 13, of end-stage dementia at Paoli Pointe retirement community.

Mr. Lander, known as "Dick," was a respected civil engineer, holding executive positions at various companies, and retiring as the executive director of the Northampton Township Municipal Authority in Bucks County in 2002 at age 76.

Mr. Lander received his degree in civil engineering from Tufts University in 1948. He spent the majority of his career in engineering and manufacturing management.

As an executive with CertainTeed Corp., a major supplier of building materials, in Valley Forge, he was part of a team that formed a joint venture with the French industrial giant Cie. de Saint-Gobain to make fiberglass insulation. He became vice president of manufacturing for the new entity, CertainTeed Saint-Gobain Insulation Corp.

Mr. Lander later served as vice president of the Edge Wallboard Machinery Co. in Downingtown.

After retiring, he continued to help out as a senior engineer for Pennoni Associates Inc. in Philadelphia well into his 80s. He volunteered on the board of the Tredyffrin Township Municipal Authority until 2011.

Mr. Lander joined the Navy straight out of high school. The Navy sent him to college, and after graduation, he remained in the Naval Reserve Civil Engineer Corps until 1986, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant commander.

Mr. Lander was married for 65 years to Patricia Riter Lander. They raised three children in Wayne.

He was active in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry. He was a volunteer with the Radnor Fire Company of Wayne for more than 30 years as a firefighter, ambulance captain, chief engineer, and president of the board of directors.

Sgt. Joseph R. Maguire III, a Radnor police officer and fire company chief, said Mr. Lander was always dignified, professional, and courteous.

"He was a true gentleman," Maguire said.

Born in the Forest Hills section of Queens, New York City, Mr. Lander graduated from Episcopal Academy in 1944, and remained an active alumnus until his death.

Surviving, besides his wife, are sons Richard B. and Frederick A.; daughter Nina L. Milton; five grandchildren: a sister; and a brother.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 104 Louella Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087, followed by a memorial service at 11. Interment will follow at St. Mary's.

Donations may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church at the address above, or to Episcopal Academy, 1785 Bishop White Dr., Newtown Square, Pa. 19073.