Richard Michael Mance Sr.

MANCE Richard Michael Mance Of Davidsonville, MD, died at home on April 22, 2016, after a valiant battle against cancer. In his final hours, he was embraced by Marlene, his beloved wife of 51 years, and his three children: Hollie Mance, Richard Mance Jr., and Heather Akgun (Atilla). He leaves his cherished grandchildren: Emily, Angus, Kelly, Ignatius, and Althea. He is also survived by his loving sisters MaryAnn and Claudia, his wonderful brothers Bob and Jim, in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and numerous lifetime friends and colleagues. Richard who went by Dick was born in Greensburg, PA, in 1942 to Joseph and Sara Mance. Richard had a lifelong love of baseball and in his youth he won numerous Little League and regional baseball championships. He also played baseball at Penn State University, from which he received his Bachelor''s degree. He went on to earn a Master''s degree at the University of Arizona, where he met the love of his life, Marlene, whom he married in 1965. Richard then entered the Army (ROTC commission) through Fort Huachuca, AZ. He spent most of his three years'' of active duty military service at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and rose to the rank of Captain. Richard pursued an academic career by attending the University of Maryland to earn his PhD in the area of Health Education. He accepted a position at Prince George''s Community College (PGCC) in 1970, and had an illustrious, fulfilling, and meaningful career there for 37 years. Richard pioneered geriatric wellness with the founding in 1972 of the PGCC Active Seniors Program, with 13 participants. Expanding on his founding idea, Richard consulted on the creation of similar programs around the country, touching and improving countless lives. Richard was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan his entire life, as evidenced by his extensive collection of Steelers memorabilia and clothing. Anyone who met Richard liked him - everyone who knew Richard loved him. Family will receive friends at the family-owned BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1800 Seton Dr, Crofton, MD on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens.