Richard Ardle Weller

Of Darnestown, MD, died August 2, 2013 after a valiant battle against lung cancer.

Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Wheaton and Potomac, MD, attended Bullis and Landon Schools, served in the Marine Corps Reserve 1963-1969, attended Tufts University, and graduated from American University in 1966 with a B.S. in Chemistry. In 1967, he married his college sweetheart Joan Lepick, and in 1973 obtained his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Maryland. After a 34-year career at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, he retired at 70 to enjoy his favorite pastimes: fine woodworking, gardening, investing, collecting antique guns, and spending time with family and friends.

Son of the late Amelita Alfaro and Frank H. Weller; brother of he late Frank H. Weller, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife Joan; loving children, Sharon, Lauren Gonzalez (Christian); grandson Richard; sister Victoria Weller Crawford (Skip); sister-in-law Dorothy Callahan; nieces Camille Finley (Fritz) and Eleanor Antonietti (Pascal); nephew Kelly Callahan; and many dear cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Joseph Gawler's & Sons Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Mass Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, 14139 Seneca Road, Germantown, MD, followed by interment at Monocacy Cemetery in Beallsville, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.