Family Mourns Passing Of Popular Moorestown Artist

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Richard Yeager passed away at his home in Moorestown, NJ, on September 8.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Margarite; and his parents Lester and Kathryn Yeager of Laureldale, PA. Richard is survived by his sister Karen Marsicano, his four children Stephanie Evans, Brenda Yeager, Phillip Yeager and Richard Yeager II; and eight grandchildren, Jonathan Evans, Sarah Martinez, Rachel Evans, Jeffrey Yeager, Daniel Yeager, Robyn Yeager, Andrew Yeager and Katie Yeager.

In 1955, Richard met Margarite when they worked together at an advertising agency in upstate New York. They married on December 30, 1956. Margarite had three children from a previous marriage, whom Richard adopted, and together they had a fourth child.

For the next 57 years, Margarite and Richard shared a very full life of family, friends, business success, and travel.

He divided his time between his homes in Moorestown, NJ, and Kennebunkport, ME. He discovered his love for the state of Maine, where he vacationed, in 1971.

Richard studied drawing, painting, photography and graphic design at the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) and was an instructor there for many years. He was an Art Director for N.W. Ayer in Philadelphia and New York before opening his own advertising agency (Richard Yeager Associates) in 1968.

His advertising career brought him many awards for his creativity, including several Clio International Advertising Awards. He won awards from Philadelphia and New York Art Director Club, Hollywood Advertising Association as well as the American Advertising Federation.

Richard was a very active board member at the United Way, a long-term standing member of the Moorestown Appearance Committee. He taught art at Philadelphia College of Art for many years, and he held many classes at his home in Moorestown.

Upon retiring he devoted his time to painting in France, Italy, Chester County in Pennsylvania and Maine. He was proud to take workshops under artists Don Stone, Ed Whitney, and Burt Silverman.

His paintings are traditional in approach, whether landscape or figurative, with an emphasis on capturing the quality of light and essence of the subject. His paintings were seen in art galleries throughout the east coast, including Chadds Ford, Strodes Mill, Wright Gallery, and Hahn Gallery.

Richard exhibited at Perkins Center for the Arts and University of New England, as well as many exhibitions in his gallery at his home. Paintings can still be seen on his website: www.yeager.com

Richard was a dedicated father and a loving husband. He moved his family to Moorestown because the schools were the best in the region, and this was important to him.

He had a deep commitment and passion for others. He loved telling his stories. He was charismatic, and was fun to be around. People genuinely liked him and his energy. Even as recent as this past year, he opened up his studio for the neighborhood children to be able to have Saturday morning art classes.

He had an insatiable fondness for classical music and the opera. He was a patron at the Philadelphia Orchestra concerts and opera performances for over 60 years. There was always classical music playing in his home. He loved to travel and see new sites. He took many trips to Europe where he combined his love for painting and his love for travel.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, October30, at First Presbyterian Church, 101 Bridgeboro Rd., Moorestown, NJ, with a reception at the Yeager residence in Moorestown, NJ, following the service. The service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to United Way in Burlington County or to the Philadelphia Orchestra. Additional information and condolences may be left at www.Lewisfuneralhomemoorestown.com.