Richard G. Anderson

Richard G. Anderson, 79, of Bloomsburg, passed away peacefully at home in the company of family on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Born on Prairie Avenue in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on November 1, 1942, Richard was the second child of Glenn H. and Mary Anderson.

A kind and humble man, Dick was grateful for the values instilled during his childhood by his parents, and he sought to exemplify them in his own life. A graduate of Todd County High School in Elkton, Kentucky, he worked beginning at age 11 with his first job as a paper carrier. Dick continued to work a variety of jobs to put himself through college and graduated from Western Kentucky State College (now WKU) and Texas Christian University. Dick earned his master’s degree in 1966 and his PhD in 1970, both from TCU. He was an early modern historian with specializations in Iberian, Latin American, and comparative trans-Atlantic history, and he was a recipient of many fellowships, contributor to several publications, and collaborator on new courses.

Dick started his teaching career as a graduate assistant at TCU, and then earned his first teaching position as an instructor of history at Arkansas State University. Shortly thereafter, he began his career at Bloomsburg University, eventually becoming an Associate Professor of History. Dick taught at BU for 45 years, retiring in 2013.

In addition to his professional career, Dick was active in various church activities including teaching adult Christian education classes, serving as a Stephen minister, and leading several Christian support ministries.

Dick especially enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors ; most recently, he found peace in the outdoor services of his church, The Table, held at Bloomsburg Town Park. He loved reading and watching UK basketball. Dick enjoyed the company of his family and his “good buddy” Sammy, the Maltese.

Dick will be lovingly remembered by his wife Deborah, with whom he celebrated 20 years of marriage on January 12. Surviving Dick are three children; Bonnie Lehman (husband Mark Lehman), Michelle Mendoza (husband Roberto Mendoza), and Michael Anderson (wife Jennifer Anderson), and eight grandchildren; stepchildren Christopher DeMelfi (wife Tara Protsko DeMelfi), and Lisa DeMelfi (husband Michael Boudman); and siblings Kay Bass (husband James), John Anderson (wife Susan), Mary Alice Barker (husband Dan), and Dennis Anderson (wife Cynthia); and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was predeceased by his parents and siblings Robert Lee Anderson and Marsha Holloway.

Services will be private at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the following organizations, online or mailed directly :

Agape
https://www.agapelovefromabove.org/contact/
PO Box 424
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation
www.netrf.org/give
NET Research Foundation
31 St. James Avenue
Suite 365
Boston, MA 02116

The family of Richard Anderson would like to thank Dr. Panikkar and the oncology team at Geisinger Medical Center ; GP4 Palliative Care team ; and Geisinger Home Hospice for their compassionate care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.