Richard Scholz

Richard Scholz, 86, of Cambridge, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife, Barbara, and family.

Richard was born on April 16, 1939, in Berlin, Germany, to the late Eberhardt Scholz and Elsie (Mohn) De Salviati. As a young refugee of World War II, Richard left Germany at the age of five with his mother. They spent the next six years in Displaced Persons camps in Austria and Italy before finally arriving at Ellis Island in New York City in 1951, when Richard was just eleven years old. They were reunited with Richard’s older sister, Madeleine, who had been able to come to the United States earlier on a work visa. Together, they made their home in Brooklyn, New York, where Richard became the man of the house at an early age — a role that shaped his strong work ethic, independence, and determination for the rest of his life.

Richard graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, Class of 1957. That same year, he met the love of his life, Barbara, during a train ride to Carroll Lodge Resort in Pawling, New York, where they were both headed for their summer jobs. They were married in 1962 and remained inseparable throughout their lives.

After high school, with the help of Barbara’s father, Richard began working at Consolidated Edison Company of New York. He started on the ground floor working on utility trucks while putting himself through nine years of night school, earning a degree in Civil Engineering. Over a 40-year career, he advanced to the position of Project Manager before retiring. During most of his working years, Richard and Barbara made their home in Amityville, New York, where they raised their four children. Richard coached countless soccer seasons, was always present in his children’s lives, and led by example through hard work and quiet dedication.

After retirement, Richard and Barbara settled into the peace and quiet of an old farm in Schenevus, New York, before relocating to Cambridge, Maryland in 2015, drawn by the warmer climate and the most beautiful sunsets.

Richard enjoyed building and fixing just about anything he encountered. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: good food, good drink, great Brooklyn bread, reading, crossword puzzles, science fiction, classical music, and — most of all — spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Scholz; his four children, Christine Bensen and husband Mark, Joanne Garcia, R. Douglas Scholz and wife Rhiana, and John Scholz and wife Amy; his ten grandchildren, Kirstin Bensen, James Bensen, Tyr Bensen, Kendall Bensen, Matthew Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Livia Scholz, Ardy Scholz, Scarlett Scholz, and Jack Henry Scholz; and his sister, Madeleine Zohn.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by two sisters.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Mary Refuge of Sinners Church in Cambridge, with Father Tim officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A., in Cambridge. Interment will take place at a later date.