Plan for the Future
Richard E. Lyon, Jr., born in Orange, New Jersey, on June 2, 1932, passed away at the age of 91 on Friday, April 12, 2024.
He is survived by his life-long love and dear wife, Anne C. Lyon, whom he married nearly 58 years ago on July 2, 1966, and his three sons: Richard E. Lyon, III (wife, Meghan), Peter J. Lyon (wife, Katherine), and David J. Lyon (wife, Sarah), all of whom attended Richard’s beloved University of Notre Dame.
Richard graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1950 before pursuing higher education. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1954 and 1955, respectively.
Beginning in 1955, Richard spent his entire professional career at Exxon Mobil Corporation, where he served in various senior level management positions in New York City, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, London, and Florham Park, New Jersey.
Throughout his distinguished career, Richard made significant contributions to the field of Chemical Engineering. He received an honorary Doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he also chaired the Board of Overseers. Richard served on the College of Engineering Advisory Boards at the University of California, Berkeley, and at the University of Notre Dame.
Richard’s dedication extended beyond academia. He served on the Industry Advisory Board of the National Society of Petroleum Engineers and was Vice Chairman for the US National Committee of the World Petroleum Congress. He also contributed to shaping energy policies as a member of the Energy Committee of the Aspen Institute.
Richard had a life-long passion for golf and could often be found on the greens, enjoying a round with friends at Baltusrol Golf Club. He absolutely cherished these weekly outings, where laughter and friendly banter were as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Outside of golf, Richard had an appreciation for cigars, scotch and music, particularly the timeless classics of the likes of Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson.
In retirement, Richard continued to pursue his passions, splitting his time between fishing at his second home in Jupiter, Florida, and golfing at The Medalist Club. These moments spent on the water or the golf course brought him peace and joy in nature and camaraderie with friends and family.
Richard’s love for his family was unwavering. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always planning for his loved ones’ futures. Despite his many achievements, Richard was humble and dedicated to hard work, instilling in his children the values of diligence, perseverance, and integrity. He was a devout Catholic, and even later in life when he could not attend services he made sure to watch Sunday mass on television from his home.
Richard’s memory will forever be cherished by his seven grandchildren: Richard E. Lyon, IV, Katherine A. Lyon, Arabella G. Lyon, Beatrice A. Lyon, Cecilia R. Lyon, Georgiana L. Lyon, and James E. Lyon.
Richard is survived by his siblings, Claudette Engvall, Carole Poppe, and James Lyon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard’s name to the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center.
A private ceremony will be followed by a celebration of Richard’s life.
