Richard “Dick” Molke, formerly of Rumson, passed away Dec. 27, 2019 at the age of 93. His wife of over 70 years, Louise Gentles Molke, was by his side. In addition to his wife, Mr. Molke is survived by the couple’s three children, Richard H. Molke Jr. (married to Mary Pat Lee Molke), Robert W. Molke (married to Anne E. Magennis) and Lisa Molke Lenker (married to Dr. Robert B. Lenker) and their nine grandchildren, Krista, Richard, Joanna, Zoe, Heather, Samuel, Graham, Conor and Kathryn. A Celebration of Life service was held Jan. 12 at Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank, including military honors from the U.S. Navy.
Dick Molke was born in New York as an only child to Herman Molke and Matilda “Tilley” Ubel Molke. Dick graduated from Pelham High School and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York where he met his wife, Louise, at nearby Russell Sage College. He graduated from RPI in 1947 with mechanical and management engineering degrees. Dick served as an ensign in RPI’s U.S. Navy ROTC.
Dick formed Remsco Associates, a successful construction company based in Matawan, with two other partners in the 1950s. Remsco focused on building water, waste and solvent recovery treatment plants. An early environmentalist, Dick collaborated on the design and construction of a large saltwater wave tank in the 1970s. The facility is used to research and test oil spill response in the safety of a simulated ocean environment. Dick also served as a member of the board of directors of UMH Properties, Inc., a publicly traded REIT.
Dick was an avid sports enthusiast and world traveler. As a child he enjoyed being around the water and spent many hours sailing, boating and fishing on the North Fork of Long Island. He continued these activities in Rumson which Dick, Louise and their children called home for over 50 years. They were longtime members of Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, Deal Golf & Country Club and Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club.
A successful businessman, Dick’s real passion in life was for his family and friends, for whom he provided love, respect and guidance over many years. He and Louise were an inseparable couple whose love and devotion for one another, their children and grandchildren lives on. Dick had a positive, long-lasting impact on all who knew him, as well as on the greater good. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. The Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank was entrusted with the arrangements.
