Richard Ernest von Seelen

August 4, 1935 – January 30, 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father and friend, Richard von Seelen. Formerly of Garden City and Cutchogue, N.Y., and most recently Sarasota, Fla., he died peacefully on January 30, 2011.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Carolyn von Seelen; his children and their spouses: Kirk and Natalie, Lisa and Ken, Karen and Gus, Keith and Suzanne and Lara and David; 12 grandchildren, and his loyal golden retriever, Oliver.

Prior to his retirement, Richard was the President of Pringle of Scotland, a manufacturer of fine cashmere sweaters. Before that, he was a Vice President at Warnaco for 20 years.

Richard proudly served as an officer in the United States Army, and later was the President of the Garden City Men’s Association, which supported high school athletics.

After he retired, he was a substitute teacher at Greenport High School in Greenport N.Y. In Sarasota, he enjoyed spending time with his many new friends. Richard will be remembered as a man who lit up every room he walked in. He was the greatest dad a child could ever dream of and, most of all, he loved his wife with all of his heart. He will be missed dearly.

A celebration of his life was held February 3, 2011, at The Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to either The Memorial Fund at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236, or the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA.org), P.O. Box 320910, Alexandria, VA 22320-4910.