Obituary of Irving Rich

Captain Irving "Bill" Rich, who would have been 91on March 8th, passed away after a brief illness on March 4, 2013 at home. Bill was born in Searsport, Maine where his two surviving brothers, both WWII veterans, currently reside. After joining the Air Force in the early 1940's Bill was stationed in Millville. During that time, he flew numerous combat missions in Europe during WWII and became a decorated P-47 Thunderbolt pilot with the 358th and the 56th Fighter Group. After his tenure in the war he laid his roots down in Vineland and became a flight instructor with the Army Air Corps at the Millville Army Air Field. It was at this time he met the love of his life, Blanche Black (pre-deceased, March 9, 2011). Bill's passions included boating, golfing, fishing, and most importantly, spending time with his beloved wife and children. Bill had many endeavors in life including owning JEDMR Rich Construction Company, William Rich Auto Sales, Capitol Concrete Company, and he also served one term as the Director of Streets and Roads for the City of Vineland. Perhaps one of his greatest achievements and passions was helping to establish the Millville Army Airfield Museum, where he served as the Board Chairman Emeritus. Together, Bill and Blanche had three children; Bill Rich (pre-deceased, October 19, 2003), John Rich (pre-deceased, January 23, 2010) and Ruth Stenberg. Bill is survived by his daughter, Ruth Stenberg and her husband Chuck of Vineland, and his five grandchildren, Bill Rich and his wife Lori of Philadelphia, Kelly Ann Marrero and her husband Ed of Vineland, Amy Stenberg of Vineland, Lauren Stenberg of Philadelphia, and Sgt. Erik V. Stenberg, stationed in Colorado. Funeral Home Visitations will be held on Sunday evening from 6pm to 8pm and Monday morning from 10am to 11am. A Funeral Service will be held Monday at 11:00 am from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 Donations in memory of Bill can be made to: Millville Army Air Field Museum, 1 Leddon Street, Millville, NJ 08332 Cumberland County SPCA, 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360 Lighthouse Hospice, 1040 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.ronefuneralservice.com