Former Mendham Tennis Club President, Grandfather Dies At 88

MENDHAM, N.J. – When Richard Lamp lived in Mendham, he did what he could to make the community the best place possible.

The avid athlete and competitor died recently at the age of 88.

Lamp was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lived his later years in Newbury, New Hampshire. In between, however, Lamp lived many years in Mendham.

Lamp attended Purdue University, where he was recruited on a football scholarship. His college years were interrupted by being drafted into the Army for World War II. He was about to deploy to the Pacific when the war ended. He then returned to Purdue and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After college he was drafted again for the Korean War, which brought him to Fort Monmouth in New Jersey, where he met his future wife, Jean.

Lamp later became President of the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club, “back in the era when members invested sweat equity into the club,” his obituary said. Lamp could be seen painting paddle courts, shoveling snow, and playing on the tennis courts.

Lamp worked in product manufacturing and held several patents. He and Jean moved to New Hampshire after retiring and spent much time skiing, golfing, refinishing furniture, and doing other special projects. He could often be seen at his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean; one son and one daughter; and six grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mendham Borough First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 131, Mendham, NJ 07945.

All arrangements made by Bailey Funeral Homes.