Richard Thomas Tedrow

Richard passed away on October 30, 2022, with loved ones close at hand. Born to Richard L. Tedrow and Gertrude R. Tedrow in Washington, D.C., he had fond memories of his childhood on Ridge Street in Bethesda and Oxford Street in Chevy Chase, and of summers spent at Scientists’ Cliffs in Calvert County, where he could roam the cliffs, beach and bay at will, searching for treasures and having adventures with a band of friends.

A wrestler and reluctant actor at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, Richard went on to attend the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce after first seriously considering a major in philosophy. Upon graduation, he pursued a career in investing, managing to land a position as one of the youngest ever hired by an eminent Baltimore brokerage firm. Eventually, however, Richard was meant for public service, something in which he held a deep and abiding belief.

After stints in the Price Commission, the Cost of Living Council, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (in the latter of which he received a White House Distinguished Service Award), Richard was in at the inception of the Department of Energy when it was established in 1977. He served at DOE’s Office of Hearings and Appeals until his retirement in 2007, becoming its Assistant Director and receiving multiple honors including a Presidential Rank Award and a Distinguished Career Service Award. He volunteered for a stream of committees and assignments, mentored younger colleagues, and braved the challenge of representing his office at committee hearings on Capitol Hill.

Richard was blessed with three children and five grandchildren, and he always took a special joy in the littlest ones. Following retirement, he was gratified to become the caregiver for his granddaughter when her mother’s maternity leave came to an end. The two had fine adventures together, identifying flora, fauna and mailboxes, and participating in a neighborhood play group organized by the world’s most doting grandfather. Truly, all five grandchildren gave Richard great pleasure, and they each brightened his life immeasurably with their unique personalities and their special talents and accomplishments.

Richard had potential as an artist and he occasionally dabbled in sculpture, but his ultimate creative outlet proved to be filling his home with art, crafts, beloved memories, and all manner of whimsy. He loved music of many kinds and had a tremendous admiration for those who could actually play it. He enjoyed his share of convivial establishments, and for a time he was a part owner of Georgetown’s Third Edition. He was a natural cook who loved to eat out but often found he could do it better at home. He loved the beach his entire life, whether on the Bay, the Eastern Shore, or the white sands of South Carolina. Ski trips to Montana became a family favorite. He had a keen sense of humor and a wry wit, and he relished telling a good story. An avid reader and student of history, he could pour himself into any subject and leave you spinning with his descriptions of what he’d learned. As someone once said, Richard wanted to know everything about everything.

Over his lifetime, Richard met the rugged challenges of the Philmont Scout Ranch, he was there to hear Martin Luther King at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, and he watched as the smoke poured from the Pentagon on that terrible day in 2001. He was a man of principle and honor who cared, suffered and loved, and carried his memories close to his heart.

Richard was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sally Tedrow; his daughter Katherine Astrich; his sons Richard Tedrow (Courtney) and Patrick Tedrow; his grandchildren Cameron, Caroline, Wesley, Hale and Hayden; his brother Tom Tedrow (Carla); and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol Newman. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.