Richard T. Sands
Feb. 20, 1943 – Jul. 29, 2019
Richard Thomas Sands, formerly of Colmar, died Monday, July 29, 2019 after a short illness. He was a devoted husband and partner to his late wife Kathleen Sands (nee McKenna) for 47 years and a loving father to Kate Sands Adams, Lindamarie Schussler and Richard J. Sands, and to their spouses Stuart, John and Resha. He was a beloved ‘Granddad’ to Johanna and Adam Schussler and caring uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He was devoted to his late mother Beneta Sands, and her late siblings, Brunhilde Durbec and Kurt Hoffstadt, as well as his brother Dennis Sands, and sisters, Rose Sands and the late Carol Sands.
Richard grew up in Philadelphia and Oreland, PA. He attended Cardinal Dougherty High School and received a bachelor of science in business administration from La Salle College. He went on to earn a masters in education from Penn State University and was a life-long learner. He also served his country in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Captain.
Dick worked for Merck for nearly 40 years and then as a training consultant, becoming a mentor to many colleagues around the world.
He faithfully served the St. Stanislaus community in Lansdale, PA for 50 years and ran the parish’s Summer Festival for many of them. He was a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts, as a scout and later as a youth and adult leader. He continued his volunteerism when he moved to the Normandy Farms community in Blue Bell, PA.
Richard was known for his devotion to his family, his humor, and his love of travel and fine dining—and most of all for his eagerness to assist all those fortunate enough to know him.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend Richard’s viewing on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 10 AM to 11:45 AM. at St. Stanislaus Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, PA, 19446, followed by his Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon . Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to Catholic Charities or the International Rescue Committee.
25 years of friendship with Dick will remain for ever in our hearts. He showed us the good things of America, teached as mister GMP the GMPs in an unforgettable way and made us grateful being his friend. Bert and Rose-Marie Harenberg and family from The Netherlands
Steve and I adored and admired Dick so much. We admired his integrity and strength of character, his sense of humor and his spirit of adventure. Even after our Merck years, the four of us enjoyed our times together — whether with Kathy or Lenore. Everyone knew his name at Normandy — he was kinda like the Mayor…and he humbly accepted that role.
To Linda, Kate, Rich, In-Laws, Grandkids, family, and Lenore: Our deepest sympathy to each of you. “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He is with us still. Eileen & Steve Wright
I am sending prayers to the family. I worked with Dick for many many years at Merck and have so many good memories of the projects we worked on together. Many laughs for sure! Dick always knew the right thing to say and was an excellent problems solver and would not give up until the job was done. Wishing him well on his journey.
Dear Dick, I know you are making the angels in Heaven smile and feel good just as you did for all of us who had the pleasure of knowing you. Your caring attitude made all of us better people. Your goodness and strength will live on through us because you touched our hearts forever.
Thank you Dick and God Bless your family and loved ones.
Richie and the Sands family,
So very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May God be with you all at this difficult time.
Fondly,
Mel and Cheryl Cohen
Farewell Dick and may you rest at peace my friend. Knowing you changed my life in many ways. I’ll never forget you. You gave me your confidence and your loyalty as well as your unending friendship and for this I am eternally grateful.
Bill Tierney
So very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing, he was a very nice friend and will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace and be with the love of his life Kathy. Bill and Pat Reca