Richard Davidson

Richard Davidson died unexpectedly on Friday, February 24, at the age of 83.

Richard was born in New York in 1939 to Ruth and David Davidson. After moving to New Jersey in his early years, Richard met the love of his life, Arlene, at Dwight Morrow High School while they were both on the crew of the school’s production of Finian’s Rainbow. Richard and Arlene married in 1959, before he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1960.

After graduation, Richard was hired by IBM in the new-fangled field of computer programming. He had no experience--nobody did then--but he had the key requirement: an exceedingly comprehensive and logical approach to everything. He worked for IBM for a number of years and then some smaller companies before signing on with State Street Bank in Boston in 1977. He retired from State Street in 1994 and worked as a consultant for some time. Later, after moving to Florida, he worked as a property manager before retiring yet again.

Richard remained active throughout his life in the communities that mattered to him. He stayed engaged as an alumnus and loyal son of Dartmouth, particularly enjoying interviewing prospective students. A proud moment was his 50th reunion, when he processed with the new graduates, who included his granddaughter Rebecca. He also served on the board of directors at Valencia Falls, and attended services both at his own synagogue, Temple Sha’arei Shalom, and those of his children. He was also an avid photographer, and his favorite subject - both of photos and of conversation - was his beloved family. It will surprise no one who knew him that his last words were boasting of them to his doctors.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Arlene; his three children and their spouses: Judi and Allen, Robin and Richard, and Andrew and Susan; six grandchildren and their partners: Rebecca and Nik, Leah and Chris, Adam and Beth, Matthew and Summer, Michael, and Jason; and great-grandchildren: Eve, Josh, and Miriam; as well as his brother Robert, niece and nephews, cousins, and many others. He will be deeply missed.

Donations to NCJW, a cause very important to both Richard and Arlene, are invited in lieu of flowers.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLYDS6F6G32WE

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riversidestanetsky.com for the Davidson family.