Pedro H. Richer

Pedro H. Richer, age 87, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2010. He was a scientist, economist and humanitarian who achieved his life-long objectives: to be a good Christian, a good husband and father, a devoted son and a successful extended family man. He managed to maintain an enjoyable family life balanced with a successful career. Richer far exceeded his own standards and managed to mix a fulfilling career and family life with his many other interests and humanitarian agenda. He was an active participant in civic and political organizations whose goal was to mitigate political, economic and ideological prejudices toward under-privileged children, minorities and immigrants.

Richer was the eldest son of four children, all born in Laredo, Texas. He is survived by his wife Ana C. Penagos de Richer from Houston, his sister Hortensia Richer de Vela and his brother Hugo R. Richer, both from San Antonio, and more than 15 nephews, nieces, and their children, many of whom live in or near Houston. Richer was preceded in death by his only son, Albert Thomas Dawson, and his elder sister, Maria Elisa Richer de Benavides.

Richer began his studies at the University of Texas. In 1941, he interrupted his studies to serve in the U.S. Army special program for military intelligence. When the war ended, he resumed his studies and earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in both chemical and mechanical engineering. After graduation, Richer was recruited by Dr. Valdimer Kalichevsky, a noted Polish and Jewish scientist who had fled to New York City from Nazi Germany. Dr. Kalichevsky was hired by Socony-Mobil Corp Headquarters to head and staff a new catalytic cracking research laboratory in Beaumont, Texas. Richer joined the Corporation and remained for 36 years, serving in various capacities as an engineer/scientist and economist. He took several short-term leaves of absence to broaden his research scope at Oklahoma State, Lamar, and Princeton in chemistry, physics, and mathematics and earned his Master of Business Administration.

Richer’s extraordinary career within the Socony Mobil Corporation gave him the opportunity to use his knowledge and expertise in the company’s headquarters, both in New York City and Fairfax, Virginia. He made extensive contributions to the company and enriched his own career goals that encompassed complex research, treatises, patents and a host of other petrochemical-related work.

At age 60, Richer took an early retirement and established a petrochemical research consultant firm. Five years later, he took full retirement so he could devote his time to his family and his humanitarian interests. He was actively involved in diverse social, civic, and political activities where he served in a variety of leadership positions.

His wife, family members and close friends were at his bedside when he passed away. He requested a Roman Catholic Mass be given and his ashes interred with his parents in their family plot in Laredo, Texas. Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m., Friday, October 1, 2010, at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris St., Bellaire, TX 77401. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 2, 2010, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9900 Stella Link Rd., Houston, TX 77025, with the Reverend Dana Pelotte, S.S.S., Presider.

In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to your favorite charities and continue praying for all deceased souls.