Richard Dean Newcomer, 72, beloved teacher, mentor, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on April 1, 2026, in Winchester, Virginia. He was 72.

For generations of students in Shenandoah Valley, Richard Newcomer made environmental science feel alive. Through nature and laughter, he challenged them to think about the world around them and their responsibility for it. He treated young people like their ideas mattered, and for many, that changed their future.

Richard was born on July 6, 1953, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, son of the late Howard Elton and Mabel Riley Newcomer. He was an all-star football player during his time at Southmoreland Highschool, earning him a scholarship to play football at the University of California of Pennsylvania. During his time at Cal State he earned a BA in Nature Conservation and a BS in Comprehensive Social Studies and Sciences. He earned his master’s degree from Shenandoah University in 1994. Richard started his 38 years of teaching in Warren County. He later taught in Shenandoah County at Central High School and Massanutten Regional Governor’s School. He served at the Governor’s School from 2005 to 2015.

Throughout his career, Richard was recognized many times over for his teaching and mentorship. He was named Teacher of the Year twice while at Central High School and Teacher of the Year at Triplett Tech/Governor’s School. In 2005, he was named Shenandoah County’s Teacher of the Year. He also received the Ray A. Kroc McDonald’s Educator of Distinction Award four times, the STARR Award from Harrisonburg Highschool twice, and the Joseph P. Whitehead Coca-Cola Teacher of the Year Award for the Southeast Region of the United States.

After learning of Richard’s passing, students shared some of their favorite memories. They remembered the field trips, laughter, challenge, and joy he brought to learning. One recalled slipping down a river bank during a field study and never forgetting Richard’s laughter at the situation. Another described him as the male version of Miss Frizzle, always grinning, cracking jokes, making science feel real and exciting. There were many that shared memories of the weather station in his classroom and his ability to predict snowstorms with incredible accuracy. Again and again, his former students returned to the same themes: he treated them like adults, held them accountable, encouraged their thinking, and made them believe they could do meaningful work in the world. Whether it was flying over the Shenandoah National Forest spraying for invasive species, a trip to Wallop’s Island, or a competition in Las Vegas, Richard brought science to life for his students at every opportunity.

Outside of school, Richard loved hunting, fishing, and time spent with his closest people. He shared a lifelong bond with his college Theta Delta Chi fraternity brothers, friendships that endured through their annual fishing trips and regular visits throughout the year.

Richard loved his family deeply. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Newcomer-Hendricks, and son-in-law, Bobby Hendricks; his grandchildren, Gavin, Sadie, and Lila; his sister, Patricia Swartz (Larry); his brother, Dave Newcomer (Judy); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Mabel, his sister, Joanne Grippo (George), and brother-in-law Larry.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held from 4-7 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Woodstock Brewhouse, 123 E. Court Street, Woodstock, VA. The gathering is open to the public, and the family would love the opportunity to celebrate the life of Richard with those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a memorial fund honoring his legacy and supporting student projects, environmental education, and river work through Friends of the North Fork. Donations can be mailed to FNFSR, PO Box 746, Woodstock, VA 22664 or by the Donation Link. Please make checks payable to FNFSR.

Richard Newcomer will be remembered as an extraordinary teacher, a devoted father and grandfather, and a good man: someone who made learning memorable, made people laugh, and helped generations of students care more deeply about the world and what they might do to protect it.

Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg, VA is honored to serve the family of Mr. Richard Dean Newcomer.