In Loving Memory of
Richard Atkins
October 17, 1941 – January 24, 2025
Virtual Memorial Gathering
February 23, 2025
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Recording of Virtual Memorial Gathering
Richard Seth Atkins Obituary (10/17/1941-01/24/2025)
In Loving Memory
Woodstock, Georgia
Richard Seth Atkins, a devoted family man, accomplished engineer, lifelong learner, and passionate traveler, passed away on January 24, 2025, after a brave battle with kidney disease. He leaves behind a legacy of love, scientific curiosity, and dedication to both his family and his work.
Richard was a loving husband to Barbara Atkins, proud father to daughter Pamela Atkins and son Ben Atkins, and caring father-in-law to Ben’s wife, Judi Atkins. His greatest joy was watching his family grow and thrive. He cherished his grandchildren: Jordan Atkins, TJ Francisco, and Emily Atkins (wife June), and his two step-grandchildren, Kaley Schuh (husband George), and Anthony Pellingra (fiancée, Natalie). Over the many years, his bond with each of them deepened, creating a family united by love, laughter, and shared memories.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Richard was the eldest child of Irv and Beth Atkins. He grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, alongside his younger siblings, Dr. Mark Atkins (wife Phyllis, d. Margaret) and Sandy Russell (husband John, s. Jason and d. Merry). Richard’s academic journey led him to the University of Rochester, where he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and later, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from New York University.
As a Professional Engineer, Richard traveled extensively, working on projects around the globe—Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America. His career was marked by innovation and leadership, culminating in the co-founding of Environmental Risk Limited (ERL) in 1985 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. As Principal and President, Richard led a team of experts dedicated to pollution control in various industries. He managed and contributed to over 50 power and 20 wastewater treatment projects. After relocating to Atlanta, he continued his work as an environmental consultant. In November 2024, the American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized his 60 years of service and distinguished career.
Outside of his professional life, Richard was an avid stamp collector and genealogist. He had a deep appreciation for food, and looked forward to home cooked meals or a favorite restaurant. Richard had an innate talent for fixing things, and no project was ever too challenging for him, he loved to get his hands dirty and make things work. He was also an admirer of historic buildings and restored three Victorian properties in Hartford, Connecticut. Richard found great joy in spending time with his beloved dog Maggie who was a constant source of companionship and comfort. Richard enjoyed traveling and relaxing vacations with family and friends at Seagrove Beach, Florida, and Lake Hartwell, South Carolina.
Throughout his illness, Richard was deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family—including siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial celebration of Richard’s life will be held online on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Richard’s name to the National Kidney Foundation.
https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/InMemoryOfRichardAtkins
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Sending the Atkins family our deepest condolences.
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What a lovely man and a special Dad. Pamela you are such an amazing person and friend. You have been my second family, always welcoming me in when it counts most. Richard will be missed by many and my prayers and love go out to the Atkins family.
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I love you so much Pam.❤️ He is your guardian angel forever.
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Pam although Colin and I never got to meet your father, I knew the love you had for him from all our conversations. His love for you and all the life lessons he taught you will remain in your heart forever. I am so sorry for your loss but I hope today brings you some closure.
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Barb, I was so sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. Please extend my condolences to your family. I hope you reach out to me whenever you need. Your kindness and friendship have seen me through many of my own struggles and I look forward to our continuing to be in each other’s lives. Sal
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Love will live forever and memories shine through your sorrow… thinking of you all at this sad time. Richard was so special, strong and spirited…
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Barbara, Pam, Ben and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Richard that we will continue to cherish.
We know that Richard’s soul rest in eternal peace.
Fondly, Diana, Kevin, Kim, Heather, Aimee and family
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Sending you all so much love ,
I am here for you Pamela and your family in every possible way you might need ,
All my love x
Rhiyen Sharp
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BARBARA Pamela Ben I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God strengthen you all and comfort you all May Mr Richard soul rest in eternal peace.
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I knew the late mr Richard Atkins.in 2019 when i was taking care of the late mrs Rosalyn kaffee her mother in law in Hammond Glen..the late Mrs kaffee really loved his son in law. before the death of the late Mrs R Kaffee. the late mr Richard Atkins moved to the building in Hammond Glen.after 3 months mrs kaffee passed away.. i started helping the late mr Richard escorting him to the Doctors app .the late mr Richard he was sorft spoken with such a great respect. i was shocked when i received the news of his passing death.i will really miss him and to the family especially mrs Barbara, Pamela,Ben and T J and the rest of the family.may his precious soul rest in eternal peace fly high 🕊️
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Barbara, Ben, and Pam, Your husband and father was always there for his family. My heart is with you as you mourn this intelligent, courageous, loving man. Linda B.
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Dearest Barbara, Ben, Pam, TJ, Emily and Jordan,
We are so very sorry for Richard passing.
We loved him, in fact, anyone who met him adored him for his intelligence, wit and kindness.
May you be comforted by all your loving memories
Love,
Cousins Michelle, Steve, sammi, Bobby, Danny, Erika, Jules and Ori
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May his soul rest in peace. May his memory be a blessing. We only met Richard once at our house, and could see his kindness, dignity and true devotion of he and Barbara to one another.
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Barbara, Pamela, Ben & TJ, i am so sorry for the loss of your husband, dad and grandpa. He was always so kind to me over the years of knowing your family. My family sends you all love during this difficult time.
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Pam, I did not know your Dad we met only once. But as I read about your Dad’s life, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. He wasn’t just an amazing father, he was an incredible human being. The talents he shared, his love, wisdom, and strength that shaped you and your family. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration and though he’s gone, his spirit lives on in those he touched. His love and legacy will always be a part of you. God Bless you and your family at this time, Josie
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Rest in peace
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Hello Pam, l am so sorry of your loss of your father. In my prayers and sending you and your family love and peace. XOXO
Wendy
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends.
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So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He showed so much courage and determination throughout his illness. Sending love to all.
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My heart is with you and your family Pamela during this period of mourning my dear friend.
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Barbara, Ben, Pamela and Family, you are all in our prayers. May you find some peace in your wonderful memories of Richard. May he rest in peace now.