With sadness we share the news of the death of the Rev. Richard Belden Andersen on November 11, 2024 at his home in Ho-Ho-Kus.
Richard served in the South Pacific in World War II. Afterwards, he served as an American Baptist minister from 1953-1966 in New York, Pennsylvania, and Orange, NJ.
After being ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in 1967, he served at Christ Church, Short Hills first as Assistant (1967-1971) and then as Associate Rector (1971-1972); and as 4th Rector of St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood (1972-1991), about which he said, “For me, those were the best years.”
He retired from full-time ministry in 1992, but continued interim work into the 2000s at St. John’s, Ramsey; All Saints’, Glen Rock; the former Church of the Transfiguration, Montville; and St. Andrew’s, Lincoln Park.
He also served on the Cathedral Chapter (Class of 1973) and the Commission on Ministry (Classes of 1982 & 1985).
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and his long-time companion since 2012, Patricia Marker. He is survived by five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be held on January 25, 2025, 1 PM, at St. Elizabeth’s. The family asks that any letters of condolence be mailed to St. Elizabeth’s Church, 169 Fairmount Road, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant Richard to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by his example; give us the grace to keep the faith he taught and to follow in his footsteps. We entrust him into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
