In Memorium: 50-Year Rumson Resident Dick Molke, 93

Longtime former Rumsonite, Richard “Dick” Molke, passed away on Dec. 27, 2019, his wife of more than 70 years, Louise Gentles Molke, by his side. He was 93.

An avid sports enthusiast and world traveler, Dick loved the water. From the time he was a child in North Fork Long Island through his 50 years raising his family in Rumson, he cherished his sailing, boating and fishing time.

While in Rumson, Dick and Lousie were longtime members of Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank, Deal Golf & Country Club, and Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club in Fair Haven.

Dick’s real passion in life was for his family and friends, for whom he provided love, respect and guidance over many years. He and Louise were an inseparable couple whose love and devotion for one another, their children and grandchildren lives on. Dick had a positive, long lasting impact on all who knew him as well as on the greater good. He will be missed.
Loved ones of Dick Molke in his obituary

Richard “Dick” Molke
Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home via family

Born in New York, an only child to Herman Molke and Matilda “Tilley” Ubel Molke, Dick graduated from Pelham High School and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, where he met his wife, Louise, at nearby Russell Sage College. He graduated from RPI in 1947 with Mechanical and Management Engineering degrees. He also served as an Ensign in RPI’s US Navy ROTC.

An innovative environmentalist, Dick collaborated on the design and construction of a large saltwater wave tank in the 1970s. The facility is used to research and test oil spill response in the safety of a simulated ocean environment.

Known as a successful businessman, Dick formed Remsco Associates, a construction company based in Matawan, with two other partners in the 1950s. Remsco focused on building water, waste, and solvent recovery treatment plants. Dick also served as a member of the Board of Directors of UMH Properties, Inc., a publicly traded REIT.

In addition to his wife, Louise, Dick is survived by: the couple’s three children Richard H. Molke Jr. (and wife Mary Pat Lee Molke), Robert W. Molke (and wife Anne E. Magennis) and Lisa Molke Lenker (and husband Dr. Robert B. Lenker); and their nine grandchildren, Krista, Richard, Joanna, Zoe, Heather, Samuel, Graham, Conor and Kathryn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

A celebration of life service was held on Jan. 12, including military honors from the Navy.