Dr Richard (Dick) T. Dewling Chatham, resident and former Commissioner of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, peacefully passed away on Friday November 22, 2020, at home, surrounded by his family. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Dick lived in Staten Island for 10 years before moving to Chatham in 1972. He holds a Doctorate in Environmental Science from Rutgers, a Master’s Degree from NYU and a Civil Engineering Degree from Manhattan College. Earlier in his career Dick was the Regional Administrator of the EPA before moving on to the NJ DEP. After leaving the government he was Chairman of Metcalf and Eddy and started his own environmental consulting firm, Dewling Associates.
Dick was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. His greatest joy was his family and in particular his grandchildren. Dick was a larger than life human being. His personality, and presence, could fill up a stadium. His insights, passion, and wit were like no other. Dick was an avid reader of flying magazines and environmental publications. He loved Long Beach Island.
Dick was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Dolores. He is survived by his children, Richard and his wife, Amy, Susan Rand and her husband, Peter, and Craig and his wife, Marianne; grandchildren, Catherine, Daniel, Samantha, Thomas, Courtney, Jeffrey, Blythe, Juliana and Kaitlin and Maddie Malloy.
Those who knew Dick know about his love for the environment and specifically our oceans. In lieu of funeral services, and to honor his character, please donate to The Alliance for a Living Ocean (www.livingocean.org) or Save Barnegat Bay (www.savebarnegatbay.org).