Richard Alan Kinder

Richard Alan Kinder, known to all as Rick, passed away on March 7, 2026. A lifelong bibliophile, dedicated learner, and natural teacher, Rick was loving, devoted, and a fierce protector of his wife Charlene, the love of his life. Respectful, mannerly, and kind, he possessed a mischievous, dry, and exceptional sense of humor that brought joy to Charlene and everyone around him.

Rick’s quest for knowledge never ended. He continued taking classes and reading books on every subject imaginable throughout his life. A voracious reader, he often had four to seven books going at once, subscribed to numerous newspapers and magazines, and explored countless topics on his computer.

After graduating from Warwood High School in Warwood, West Virginia, Rick attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Captain, and worked as a field artillery instructor at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Rick met Charlene at the accounting firm Arthur Young in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He continued his financial career with Duquesne Light Company in Pittsburgh and served as Chief Financial Officer at Horsehead Corporation Zinc Plant in Beaver, Pennsylvania. He found his true purpose in teaching, becoming a Professor in the Business School at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. Those years were among his happiest, as he enjoyed teaching, advising students, and being part of an academic community. He was deeply loved by his students and continued making a difference by tutoring at Fruitland Park Elementary School and teaching chess to students across Sumter County.

Rick and Charlene shared a rich life together, traveling, visiting museums, attending the symphony, ballet, small music ensembles, Broadway musicals, and theatre, and hiking in the woods. For Rick, it was always about being together. Charlene was his best friend, cheerleader, and defender.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, Patsy Denney Kinder and Walter Richard Kinder. He is survived by his wife Charlene; his loving caregiver Gibran “G” Kamaludin; his sisters Carol Kinder and Pamela (Kinder) Mitch; his nieces Kelly Kinder and Kelly (Fodor) Reis; his nephews Scott Mitch, Kevin Mitch, and Bradd Fodor; and his grandnieces and grandnephews Riley Mitch, Cooper Mitch, Jonathan Mitch, Jackson Mitch, Carli Reis, and Chloe Reis.