Mr. Richard E. “Rich” Mundell, 90, of Union, WV, passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2025, at Peyton House in Lewisburg, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 22, 1935, in Brookfield, MA, to the late Ralph Mundell and Helen (Carlson) Mundell Martin, Rich lived a long and remarkable life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria M. Mundell Justo, and his brother, Roger D. Mundell.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Kathleen Ann (Morin) Mundell; his brother Ralph E. (Diane) Mundell of Brookfield, MA; his children Richard (Nicki) Mundell of Hawaii, Robert (Jennifer) Mundell of Kentucky, Amy (Philip) Taylor of Kentucky, Karisa (Scott) Moore of North Carolina, and Jason (Julie) Mundell of West Virginia. He was a proud grandfather to Haleigh (John) Patrick, Aaron Taylor, Lori Jill Mundell, Noah (Courtney) Taylor, Joshua Moore, Logan Taylor, Hunter (Halie) Mundell, Ian Mundell, Spencer Mundell, and Pierce Mundell, and a delighted great-grandfather to Adalyn Simone Mundell Taylor, with another great grandchild, soon to arrive.
Rich was a self-employed heavy equipment contractor for nearly 60 years, a trade that reflected both his tenacity and his skill. There was little he couldn’t build or repair, and many in his community benefited from his willingness to lend a hand. A problem-solver and deep thinker, he carried a quiet wisdom that extended beyond work and into the way he lived his life.
A lifelong learner, Rich had an insatiable curiosity and was a voracious reader of all subjects. He was equally at home working with his hands as he was with a book in his lap. He loved history, genealogy, politics, and collecting antique toys, he was a talented painter and appreciated a fine Bourbon. Spending time with his grandchildren was one of his greatest joys, and many cherished family memories were made at the ponds he built on his land, teaching his grandchildren to cast a line.
Although he spent most of his life in West Virginia, he never lost his New England accent. If anything, it only added to the color of his storytelling, especially the tales of his life growing up in Massachusetts. His children and grandchildren hung on every word, treasuring those stories as a way to feel even closer to him.
Rich’s life was defined by service, humility, and love. He was a devoted community activist, conservationist, and fierce advocate for human rights. He modeled patience, kindness, and strength, not through grand gestures but through quiet example. He gave generously of his time and spirit, embodying the kind of leadership that comes not from authority, but from integrity.
Above all else, Rich was a family man – a devoted husband, loving father, treasured grandfather and great-grandfather. To his grandchildren, he was an anchor, a teacher, and a safe place to land. He taught them to notice the beauty of the world, to breathe deeply, to seek joy in simple moments, and to lead with kindness.
To his family, Rich was larger than life. To them, he hung the moon. Though his passing leaves an irreplaceable emptiness, his legacy will continue to guide and inspire those who loved him. His curiosity, quiet listening, and selfless service will live on in the lives he touched.
The world is dimmer without him, but how lucky we are to have known and loved him.
He has been entrusted to the care of Groves Mann Funeral home in Union, WV. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in the memory of Richard Mundell to the Peyton House in Lewisburg West Virginia, or Autism Speaks.
