Dr. Richard Ray Shreve aka The Professor

Dr. Richard Ray Shreve, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed chemistry professor, passed away peacefully on June 18th, 2024, at the age of 87. His death followed a brief but courageous battle with encephalopathy that occurred unexpectedly. Born on March 25th, 1937, Richard led a remarkable life filled with academic achievements, world travels, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Victoria Shreve (nee Sagitova), his loving sister Janet Hasty, his daughters Tanya Shreve, Rebecca Kitson (Bryan), Erika Beetcher (Matthew), and son Nathaniel Shreve. He will be missed by his grandchildren Sergei, Cole, Ava, Seth, Caroline, Rhea, Sienna, and Nadezhda, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. His two beloved cats, Tommy and Aurora, were a significant source of joy in his life. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife Carol Shreve (nee Hagen), brother Gary Shreve, sister Sharon Morgan, nephew Kevin Morgan, and parents Floyd Ray and Sarah Louise Shreve.

Richard received BS and MS degrees from Western Illinois University in Organic Chemistry with minors in Physics and Math. He obtained an MBA from Western New England University in Marketing and Economics, and a PhD from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Finance and Business. For the first chapter of his illustrious career, he worked in industrial chemistry for various corporations, including Goodyear and the Continental Can Corporation. He later developed a second academic love for Business, Economics, and Finance. He taught extensively in these areas and was a frequent presenter for the American Management Association. He also ran a small consulting firm. Eventually he returned to combine his true and enduring love for chemistry with his extensive teaching background. He taught at North Central College, Northern Illinois University, Governors State University, the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Indiana University, and Palm Beach Community College, where he was tenured and taught past 80 years old.

Often called “The Professor,” Richard’s enthusiasm for his subject inspired countless students over the years. He cherished his students as individuals and was inspired, in turn, by their struggles and life stories. He had a gift for storytelling and humor, making him a memorable figure both inside and outside the classroom. Richard's academic career was marked by his commitment to knowledge and his ability to ignite curiosity in others. He was very proud of all of his children and their accomplishments.

Beyond his professional life, Richard embraced the pleasures of travel, maintaining homes in Boynton Beach, Florida, and Ironwood, Michigan, where he found solace and community. An avid cook, he delighted in shopping and preparing meals for family and friends, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

Richard leaves behind a legacy of wit, wisdom, and laughter. His impact on those who knew him is profound and enduring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations for a planned gift to the American Chemical Society be made to @Erika-Beetcher on Venmo or $ErikaBeetcher on Cash App. We will honor Richard's passion for chemistry education and prior chapter leadership by supporting Florida ACS as a non-profit scientific organization that offers research internships and higher education chemistry scholarships.