LANCASTER—Richard Rau of Lancaster passed away on November 24, 2016. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 7, 1923, he was the youngest of four children to Isabelle Catherine Ely and William Llewllyn Rau.
Richard attended Ohio State University his freshman year of college. Then, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, he joined the United States Army Air Force where he served as a pilot during World War II. In 1949 he graduated from Case Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After a brief stint in New York, he returned to Ohio to join his family’s construction company until it closed in the 1970s. Deciding it was time to do something different in the future with his life, he attended and obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1980 from The George Mason School of Law. He then maintained a law office in Fairfax County and later in Lancaster County until he retired at the age of 91.
During his younger days he played pro-am golf and remained an avid fan, not only of golf, but of Ohio State football, pro football, ACC basketball and pro tennis. He was a retired member of Rotary International.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ann; a daughter, Nancy; a nephew, Timothy Kelly (Ginger) of Houston, Texas; stepchildren, Sandra Marshall Cerkez (Tom), John Webster Marshall, Victoria Marshall Nester; a godchild, Annie C. Daly; step-grandchildren, Talena, Vali Ann, Jesse, Tracy, James, Alexis and Christopher, and five step-great-grandchildren.
Richard will long be remembered for his tenacious adherence to what he felt was right and wrong as well as his steadfast support of family and friends.
A private service will be held at a later date. The family asks that any gifts in his memory be made to the Upper Lancaster Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 176, Lively, VA 22507 or to the Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578.
