Richard Perry Neldon

Richard Perry Neldon (Rick), 77, passed away on February 2, 2024, at his home in McLean, Virginia.

Rick was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to June Elizabeth Squires and Russel Paul Neldon on September 25, 1946. Growing up he lived in Olmstead Falls, Ohio, and Naperville, Illinois, before his father was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia. Rick married Harriet Burt Marrow on October 9, 1982, in Tarboro, NC.

Rick attended the University of Georgia, received his BS degree from Georgia State University, his M. Div. degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, and his MBA degree from Marymount University.

Rick served two Presbyterian churches - one in Hollywood, Florida, and the other in Columbus, Georgia. In 1976 he moved to Arlington, Virginia, starting a new career with the Federal Government. Initially, Rick worked for Senator Thomas F. Eagleton of Missouri. After a year he moved over to the Library of Congress first serving in the Congressional Research Service and then working up to the Register’s Office as Director of Administrative Services for the U.S. Copyright Office. After 30 years, Rick retired from the Federal Government and then held his 9-year “retirement job” of Church Administrator for Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia, - a job well suited with his M. Div. and MBA degrees.

From an early age Rick became involved with shortwave and ham radios (call letters WB4IYH). Later, television production caught his attention, and he then worked his way up from a transmitter engineer for WLKS to master control switcher to WJRJ and senior cameraman at WATL for the Officer Don TV show in Atlanta.

Rick had a life-long love of music. He enjoyed playing trombone with his orchestra and marching bands in high school and college. He also enjoyed singing with the Choral Guild of Atlanta, which at one performance was under the direction of Robert Shaw and soon afterwards under the London Symphony. Rick continued his music participation throughout his church life. Beyond his early years as a pastor, Rick also held prominent church leadership roles in his local churches’ ministries. A major passion was service to his community as evidenced by Rick’s active role in the Rotary Club of McLean for more than 17 years and his involvement with the establishment of the Chesterbrook Residences Assisted Living facility in McLean, Virginia. Rick took great delight in supporting his children’s activities such as scouts, crew, soccer, and music. Rick was known especially for his kindness, generosity, and humor - a pun a minute.

Richard Perry Neldon was preceded in death by his parents, June Elizabeth Squires and Russel Paul Neldon.

Rick is survived by his wife, Harriet Marrow Neldon; his children: Jane Elizabeth Neldon, Alice Marrow Neldon, and Richard Chalmers Neldon and wife, Suzanne Rea Shaffer; his brother, Russel Paul Neldon, II; and his grandson, Felix Vermilye Neldon-Shaffer.

Memorials may be donated to a charity of your personal choice or to: Lewinsville Presbyterian Church - Deacon’s Fund

1724 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA. 22101

Church of the Pilgrims Presbyterian Church 2201 P St., NW, Washington, DC 20037

Rotary Club of McLean - Literacy and Scholarship programs

P. O. Box 561, McLean, VA 22101

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, Virginia, with The Rev. Dr. Scott Ramsey of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will take place at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia, 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 10, 2024. Arrangements are by (National Funeral Home and Arlington Memorial Park)