Richard Thetgyi

February 6, 1945 — October 23, 2021

Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was

Richard Thetgyi, affectionately referred to as “Uncle Lu”, “Taw Thu”, “Weh Po”, and “Grampy”, was born February 6, 1945 in the small village of Ganaingshay of the Taunggyi Province in Myanmar.  Richard spent his youth exploring the mountains of Taunggyi and later graduated from the University of Mandalay with a bachelor’s in agricultural science.

In 1971 Richard married his wife of 50 years, Judith Ayemaung. Richard and Judith emigrated to the United States in 1972 with not much more than their infant daughter Patricia and sixteen dollars in their pockets. Richard started his amazing journey in the states taking a job at a textile factory in Spring City, Pennsylvania. There he worked countless hours and double shifts to provide for his young family. 

 In the late 70’s Richard secured the opportunity to work with Parke-Davis as a pharmaceutical sales representative and relocated to New Jersey. Always striving to be the best, he earned multiple awards and accolades and eventually held the role of Regional Sales Trainer.  Richard went on to bring his talents to UCB Pharma and Celltech.

 Richard was an avid golfer, loved to cook and spend time with his family.  He was particularly smitten with his three granddaughters, Elaina(11), Kate(8), and Jamie(1).  He took great pride and joy in his “second career” providing daycare to all three of the grandchildren once they were born.

 Richard and his wife were devoted members of the Philadelphia Burmese Baptist Church where he deeply enjoyed the fellowship of the congregation and was honored to mentor and support other newly arrived Burmese families.  

 Richard’s warm and genuine spirit, coupled with his famous winning smile made an impression on everyone he met.  He was generous with his time and resources - ready to help a friend in need and always recruiting others to pitch in.

 Richard is survived by his wife, Judith Thetgyi and their three daughters, Patti Newbold (Scott), Natasha Thetgyi, Samantha Ryan (Patrick) and his three beloved grand daughters.  He is also survived by his six siblings, Penelope Lian, Gilbert Thetgyi (TinTin San), Katherine Thetgyi, Fred Thetgyi (Eunice), Beatrice Ting (Stanislaus), and Natasha Shinn (Kyaw) along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members across the United States and in Southeast Asia.

 Services in his honor:

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 28 at the Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home in Middletown New Jersey from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  Service at 7:30pm.

 A funeral will be held on Saturday October 30 at Elberon Memorial Church in Elberon New Jersey at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations to St. Jude’s Hospital or Operation Smile be made in his name to honor his love of children and helping others.