After graduating from Roseland Senior High School, Richard furthered his education at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts. From there he made way for a notable career in the valve manufacturing industry. Richard spent 44 years at Strahman Valves, Inc., located in Florham Park, New J ersey, where he began in sales before advancing to research and development. He also held the position of President for several years. Richard’s ingenuity led to the creation of the M-6000 soap and hot water mixing unit, which earned six global patents and became crucial invarious industries, including aviation, dairy, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. He also built the booths and displays for Strahman Valve’s trade shows, which were held throughout the United States and Europe.

Richard’s service to his country included three years in the Army National Guard, from 1961 to 1964, where he committed himself to the values of duty and community that he carried throughout his life.

Beyond his professional and military life, Richard was a lover of jazz and Big Band music. He also found much joy in writing poetry inhis lateryears. His other hobbies included woodworking and inventing - passions that he enjoyed at his lake cabin in the Adirondacks and his home in Livingston, New Jersey. A family man at heart, Richard cherished the time spent with his wife of 55 years, Pauline; his daughters, Cora and Jennifer; their partners, Alex and Kevin; his son, Rickey; andhis grandchildren, Brett, Brooke, and Olivia.

Richard was also known for his philanthropic spirit, particularly his support for the Wounded Warriors Project, the Special Olympics, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the ASPCA.

Richard survived his sister, Ellen Roessner, and is now survived by his loving family, who will continue to honor his legacy by living out the values of creativity, generosity, kindness, honesty, and dedication that he taught them by example. Richard D. Strahman will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Services will be held at Trinity Covenant Church in Livingston, New Jersey, on October 26, at 3 p.m. Please plant a tree or donate to a meaningful charity ofyour choice in honor of his memory.