Richard R. Emmart

                Richard “Rick” Emmart passed away at 11:05 PM on 18 July 2023 at the University of Maryland hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  Rick was a U.S. Army veteran who retired after 21 years of service.  Among his many military awards are the prestigious Soldiers Medal and the Bronze Star that he earned in Vietnam.  He continued his service to our Nation as a government civilian providing logistical support to Combat Camera in Fort Meade, MD for another 20 years.

                Rick was married to the love of his life, Mary Margaret, for over 55 years, who he tragically lost in 2020.  He is survived by his four children, Glenna (Peter) of Severn, MD, Erica (Miguel) of Severna Park, MD, David (Elena) of Edgewater, MD, and Sandra (John) of South Riding, VA; eleven grandchildren, Cory (Bridgette), Dylan, Nicholas, Sylvia, Marissa, Haley, Renata, Parker, Noah, Kyle, and Dylan; one great-grandson, Riggins; and four siblings, Pam, Sharon, Tim, and Laura.

                Rick will always be known for his love of our country, devotion to his family, generosity, and compassion for everyone he met.  He remained the perfect gentleman throughout his life.  He was always so amiable that strangers became friends quickly upon meeting him. Very few can equal his level of compassion, honesty, morality, and integrity. 

                Rick was an avid golfer who spent many happy hours on the courses with his wife, Mary, and with the endearing Pineapple Group who he enjoyed tremendously.  He loved to cook and would always keep the kitchen open for breakfast for his afternoon-rising grandchildren even though he ate his own breakfast at 5:00 AM.  Rick was an active member of the Veterans for Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, always looking out for active-duty members, veterans, and their families; many people benefitted from his enormously generous heart.

                Rick was a great listener and frequently offered his sage and helpful advice to his family, who depended on him a great deal for love and support.  He was always ready and willing to offer a helping hand to his family and friends without hesitation or expectations, often without being asked.  Rick was also known for his unparalleled strength of character, duty, and discipline.  It was this strength that allowed him to become a leader in the U.S. Army who earned his G.E.D. and bachelor’s degree, working nights and weekends while raising his family. 

                Rick also had an amazing laugh and twinkle in his bright blue eyes.  He generally had a joke (or five) for most occasions that helped all of us to laugh more and to stop taking things too seriously.

                Although he is with his beloved wife, Rick will be enormously missed and will be eternally loved by his family and those fortunate enough to have known him.

                The family will hold a viewing at the Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. (1411 Annapolis Road Rt 175 E, Odenton, MD 21113 ) on Saturday, 29 July 2023 from 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM.  Following the viewing, there will be a celebration of life for Rick at the American Legion Post 276 ( 8068 Quarterfield Rd, Severn, MD 21144) from 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM, with a Flag/Honors Ceremony at 2:30 PM.

                Donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in Rick’s honor are appreciated.

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