Col. Richard "Rich" Alan Romer, USAF (retired)

Colonel Richard “Rich” Alan Romer, USAF (retired), 78, passed away in North Beach, Maryland on September 4, 2018. Rich was born on December 3, 1939 in Burlingame, California to Sidney and Miriam Romer. After graduating from Burlingame High School in 1957, he went on to Stanford University, graduating in 1961. Shortly after, he accepted a commission in the US Air Force and embarked on a career as an aircraft maintenance officer and later logistician. He served all over the world with assignments in Japan, Korea, the Philippines and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He culminated his career having achieved the rank of Colonel and serving as the Chief of Logistics for 12th Air Force, Bergstrom AFB, TX. After retiring, he continued providing service to the Air Force as a program manager for several companies. He was very active in a variety of professional societies, journalism, local politics, and protecting his beloved Chesapeake Bay. His free time was spent either on his boat cruising the Chesapeake or attending car races. He is survived by his son, Ross, and his grandchildren—Rebecca, Rachel, and Jackson. He is preceded in death by his younger brother, Russ, with whom he shared a birthday separated by 3 years. A visitation and memorial will take place at Lee Funeral Home, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, Maryland on Thursday, September 13th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest with honors at Arlington National Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chesapeake Environmental Protection Association (cepaonline.org), an organization with which Rich was very involved. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Col. Richard "Rich" Alan Romer, USAF (retired) please visit our Sympathy Store.