Richard Otto Lehman

Rich Lehman was born on April 27, 1927 to Otto and Mary (Wallis) Lehman in Brooklyn, MD. He passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2025, at the age of 98. Rich graduated from Glen Burnie High School at 17 and worked at the Curtis Bay Coast Guard yard until enlisting in the US Navy, where he was honorably discharged in 1945 at the end of WWII. He then went to work as a lineman for the C&P telephone company, working there for 44 years until he retired on December 26, 1992 as a PBX repairman for Verizon.

Rich married Jeanette Balonis in 1952 at St. Athanasius Church and they were happily married for 72 years, raising 4 children on Doris Ave. in Brooklyn from 1953-69, until moving to Ferndale where they lived for the last 56 years. Rich loved the outdoors, especially during the warm and hot summer months, devoting much of his spare time on his large garden each year and sharing his many vegetables with family, friends and neighbors. He was also an avid beekeeper for over 40 years, a skill he learned from his father and passed onto his son Kenny. After he retired, he volunteered at St. Philip Neri church and the Ferndale Senior Center, helping maintain the grounds and providing handyman services, for many years. Rich was known for his ability to build and repair almost anything. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Rich is survived by his wife Jeanette and children Jeanne Strickler (Ted), Richie Lehman, Ken Lehman, and Ron Lehman; grandchildren Steve Strickler (Jessica), Adam Strickler (Erica) and Ryan Strickler (Madison), great-grandchildren Molly, Kate, Sara, Ella, and Gwen. He is also survived by 2 sisters, LaVerne Hovley (Marv), Rita Patrick, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his late sister, Dorothy Kazmer.

The family welcomes family and friends to visit Gonce Funeral Service, 4001 Ritchie Hwy (Brooklyn) on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Viewing from 10 AM - 12 PM followed by a short service. Burial with military honors will take place in MD Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to a charity of your choice.

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