Obituary of Richard Lawrence Cowan

Richard Lawrence Cowan Sr., 83 Richard L. Cowan Sr., 83, of West Orange passed away on Tuesday October 3, 2017. Visitation will be held on Monday October 9, 2017 from 3 to 7 PM at The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter 400 Morris Ave. Suite 251 Denville, NJ 07834-1365, or the charity of your choice. Letters of condolence may be posted at danglerfuneralhome.com. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday October 10. 2017 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at The Chapel at Short Hills & St. Stephen's Mausoleum, 451 Millburn Ave. in Millburn. Richard was born in Orange, raised in East Orange and South Orange, moving to West Orange 57 years ago. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 825 in Springfield. He worked for Schiavone Construction in Secaucus for 10 years, and the Meadowlands' Sports & Exhibition Authority for 27 years. He also owned and operated R. Cowan & Sons Welding in West Orange. Richard was an outstanding athlete and had played semi pro baseball. Mr. Cowan proudly served in the Sea Bees of the United States Navy Reserve, 1952-1960. Richard was the beloved husband for 62 years of Marjorie M. Cowan (nee Mesker). He was the son of Robert G. Cowan, Sr. and Hazel Wagner Cowan, deceased. Devoted father of Richard L. Jr. and his wife Claire, John W. and his wife Terri, Thomas P., and the late James E. Cowan. Loving brother of William Cowan, Janet King , Millicent Anderson, Ronald Cowan, and the late Robert Cowan Jr. Cherished grandfather of Nicole, Richard III, John, Patrick and Liam.