Obituary of Richard L Fiander

Richard L. Fiander, 80, of Basking Ridge, NJ died May 2, following a long illness. Born in Medford, MA, May 21, 1934, a graduate of Medford High, using the G.I. Bill, he earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University, two master's degrees and a doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. An Army veteran, Richard taught in Newton, MA and Manhassett, LI. He was Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent of Schools, Dartmouth, MA. After 21 years as Summit Public Schools Superintendent, Richard retired and founded RLF Associates, Inc., Educational Consultants. He served as President of the Bernards Township Library Board, as a volunteer with the local YMCA, VA, and Somerset County Food Bank Board, and as a member and former President of the Suburban School Superintendents. Richard loved to travel; visiting over 15 countries and writing about each. He was a great cook; always appreciating the joys of red wine and pasta. He believed in the written word; he wrote letters – lots of letters. He read constantly. He called things as he saw them, and he loved a good debate. Richard challenged people to think critically and to always do their best. Mostly, he was a loyal friend and devoted, loving father. He is survived by his sister Dorothy (Medford), his former spouses Betty (Chatham) and Pamela (Basking Ridge), and two of his children Paul (Phoenix) and Paige (Chatham). Richard is now resting in peace with his beloved youngest son, Jonathan, who predeceased him. Memorial visitation will be on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 5:00 -7:00 pm at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Summit Educational Foundation.