Richard Charles Tedder, Sr.

Richard Charles Tedder, Sr., 72, of Palm Bay, FL, passed away on February 21, 2024 after an extended illness.

Richard, more affectionately known as Rich, was born on May 18, 1951 to Mary Ellen and Robert Spain Tedder at Columbia Women’s Hospital in Washington, DC.. After schooling, Rich went on to study steam engineering. He was a member of Local 99 and worked in the field for 35+ years.

Upon leaving the field in 2005, he opened Rich’s Quick Lube in Owings, MD. He operated the small business until his retirement in 2010. During his 40+ years as a resident of Calvert County, MD he was active in the community and supported many local charities. At Christmas, he played Santa Claus, visiting the families of friends for the holiday.

In 1970, Rich met Roberta Gates at a party. They went on to marry and have two children, Marianne and Chuck. They divorced after 27 years together.

Throughout his life, he was a doting father and supported his children in all of their pursuits. He raised them to work hard and chase their dreams. He believed in the American dream and that anything worth having was worth fighting and/or working for.

In his retirement, Rich enjoyed spending time with family, friends and fishing. He was both a fan of Nascar and the Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals. He also followed politics daily and loved a good debate.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen & Robert Spain Tedder. He is survived by his children, Richard Charles (Chuck) Tedder, Marianne K. Lance and husband Burton and his grandchildren, Zoe Lance and Isabelle Eagle and five brothers: Robert and wife Carol, John and wife Rozanne, Thomas and wife Cathy, Larry, and Jeff Tedder, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great- nephews and cousins.

A memorial brunch will be held at the American Legion, 10201 Lewis Dr., Damascus, MD on March 4, 2024 from 10am-1pm. A private interment will follow the same day at 2:00pm at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Montgomery County Hospice at https://montgomeryhospice.org/donate-now/ or call 301-921-4400.

Care entrusted to Beltway Cremation Center, p.a., 124 E. Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, (240)246-0400, www.beltwaycremationcenter.com