Dr. Richard Munch

Dr. Richard Valentine Münch passed away peacefully surrounded by members of his loving family on Monday, Aug. 28.

Richard was born to Rose (Pugliese) Münch and Alfred Münch in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 7, 1934. He grew up close to his older brothers, Fred and Andrew, and his younger sister, Marion. He attended Chaminade High School, in Mineola, N.Y., operated by the Marianists, where he embraced a lifelong faith in the Catholic Church. 

Richard graduated from Hofstra University in 1958 and went on to earn his M.D. from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1962. He was a proud member of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. Richard married Joann Reilly on Oct. 30, 1965. He served in the Army Medical Corps from January 1966 to January 1968, with a portion of that time spent in Vietnam. Richard was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge for his service. Upon his discharge, he completed his residency at the University of Rochester.

Richard moved his family to Connecticut in 1970 and practiced urology for the next 28 years at Winsted and Charlotte Hungerford Hospitals, serving a tenure as president of the Winsted Hospital Medical-Dental Staff. In 1971, Richard and Joann moved to Norfolk, where they raised their four children. Richard truly loved being a doctor and was affectionately referred to by many as “Doc.” He also cared deeply about community. In his early years he was a volunteer fireman, and he later flew to Haiti twice to volunteer his surgical services. He was a member of the Norfolk Country Club for several decades and spent many years as a member of VFW Post 296.

Richard was a thrill seeker, and his love of mechanics led to a lifelong passion for cars, motorboats and planes. He loved taking friends and family up for flights, and enjoyed driving his motorboat on Long Island Sound. Richard designed and built two barns where he loved working on his many projects. He loved animals, often bringing home stray dogs, and he owned many throughout his life.

Above all, Richard had a deep and abiding love for his family: his parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, his nieces and nephews and his children. His favorite times were spent with extended family during weekends on Long Island and trips to Vermont to hunt with his brother, nephews and his children. Richard is predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Rose Münch, his brothers Fred and Andrew, his sister Marian Salerno, and his son Timothy. He is survived by his children, Fred Münch, Jennifer Münch Langendoerfer, and Elizabeth Münch; his son-in-law Michael Langendoerfer; his former wife, Joann Münch; and his two grandsons, Barrett and Xavier Langendoerfer, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Richard enjoyed a full, well-lived life and will be dearly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Martin of Tours Church of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, followed by his burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.