Richard Mayer, 76, passed away peacefully at home in White River Junction, Vermont, on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 18, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Daisy and Tony “The Tiger” Mayer.

Rich lost his beloved wife of 24 years, and long time best friend Cheryl Mayer, and his brother, Ronald Mayer. He is survived by his sister, Eileen Mayer.

He was a one of a kind father to Leah, Paula, Jesse, Danny, and Jessica - by blood, by marriage, and most importantly, by choice. They were all proud to call him dad and all had a specific bond with him. Having running life long side jokes with each and every one of them. 

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Isaiah and Christian and the family’s newest little blessing, great-grandchild Sienna.

Rich earned his bachelor’s degree in Geology, and a masters degree at making you laugh. He lived for cracking jokes and would not stop until he gets a laugh. He was not afraid to push it to the limit to get that extra chuckle. He knew the power of a smile and tried to share it with everyone he ran into. He had a joke for every occasion, locked, loaded, and ready to go. Whether he was out on the boat fishing or working overtime he was making somebody laugh. That’s a guarantee!!

Rich worked his way up the ladder of success throughout many jobs in his life. He started out helping with his fathers horses as a kid. After college moved up to running a mobile drilling rig as a geologist, and by the mid 80’s he broke into the new world of computers and started working at Digital. He continued to excel in this field throughout his life and eventually retired with GE. 

Rich was an avid reader who also liked to write. He enjoyed reading science fiction novels and was always halfway through another one. Often telling people things like “the book was way better”. The man was filled with knowledge. 10 years plus of going to college while working nights. Just to get degrees he didn’t need, just because . Constantly learning new things throughout his life and passing it on to all his children and anyone else that would listen. 

He also had a lifelong love of music and animals, welcoming many beloved pets into his home over the years. Way too many to name but rest assured he spoiled all of them just like he did his family members. 

Rich did a lot of hunting on his father’s land in his early life but his real passion was fishing and the outdoors, and anybody that knew him, knew that. He was a devoted father and loyal friend, but whenever Rich had free time he found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He treasured fishing trips with his best buddies Dan, Daryl, Noel, Steve Chris and Steve . To name a few . Calling them his brothers and treating them like family. They called him the scout because he was always scouting out new places to fish for the boys. That was half the fun for him. All the researching and reading up on new places, and getting ready for the trip. It was the hunt of finding new and exciting places to visit that kept Rich going. A true explorer. Willing to try almost anything. 

He dropped his line in the water all over this Planet. Anywhere from mountain streams of Colorado all the way to the Tongariro River in New Zealand. His favorite place to fish was almost definitely the Battenkill river in Vermont, near his home. “The Kill” held a special place in all their hearts and that’s where the most memories have been made throughout the decades of good times and friendships. Nature was both his passion and his refuge. Rich will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of family, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. He was a philosopher of spirituality and a professor of the mystical. He judged no one. may he rest in peace.

Memorial services will be held at a later date