Richard Junod

Richard J. Junod, EdD (Doc) of Somerton, December 23, 1940 - April 14, 2025. Married in 1963, Doc was a devoted husband to Maryann for 62 years. Richard and Maryann adopted 3 children, Richard in 1969, Stephanie in 1974, and Allyson in 1978. After graduating from West Catholic High School, he served as a Lance Corporal and Enlisted Instructor in the United States Marine Corps, completed his undergraduate degree at LaSalle University, and doctorate at Temple University in Special Education. His first job out of the service was an accounting role at the Adelphia Hotel followed by working at Rohm & Haas in the accounting department for a year. While attending LaSalle he was an attendant at an ice skating rink with no experience ice skating and a security guard at Kmart. His can-do spirit was a quality he imparted to others, including his many students in a long career starting at the House of Corrections and as a teacher and disciplinarian at the Shallcross School. A self-starter, he co-founded the Philadelphia Academy Charter School and was co-founder and COO of Franklin Towne Charter School. After retiring from the Philadelphia School District, he continued work with at-risk youth as a unit manager at Saint Gabriel's Hall and continued to immerse himself in helping others including starting Seniors Helping Seniors to do home repairs with his brother Jack, supporting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, volunteering at the Delaware Valley Veterans Home, and hanging American flags in the neighborhood.

In life and in death, Richard J. Junod, was fearless. He was a Marine extraordinaire, beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, outstanding Pop-Pop, friend, neighbor, perpetual teacher and perpetual student, man of faith, marathon runner, artist, poet, listener, generous giver, incomparable storyteller, philosopher, creator of stained glass works, fixer of all things from broken spirits to broken structures, fierce patriot, wild dancer, tireless traveler, arm wrestler, prankster, rescuer of abandoned animals, avid reader and historian, unforgettable conversationalist, and animated Bingo caller.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maryann, his children, Richard (Cristiana), Stephanie, Allyson (Bill), his grandchildren Gabriel, Deanna, Owen, Jake, Kennedy, and Nicholas, his sister Mary Kennedy (Joe), brothers Edouard (Pat) and Gerard (Ter), as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, most of whom he was blessed to have by his side in his last moments. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Regina Junod, his grandson Michael Bernard Junod, his brother Jack Junod, sister Elizabeth Junod, Godson Brian Junod, great niece Elisabeth Hamelly and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday April 24th, 9:30 AM at St. Christopher Church 13301 Proctor Rd. Phila., PA 19116. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place on Friday, April 25, 9:30 AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940. He will be escorted to Washington Crossing National Cemetery by the Warriors' Watch Riders, American Legion, and Stars and Bars motorcycle brigade. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Delaware Valley Veterans Home 2701 Southampton Rd. Phila., PA 19154.

Doc's passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, friends, and all those whom he came in contact with. We will forever remember his courage, caring, compassion, inspirational stories, playful jokes and games, and love for his family and friends. As we mourn his departure, we also celebrate his legacy and the beautiful memories he has left behind. We invite all who knew Doc to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page to serve as a testament to our father's remarkable life and enduring legacy. Semper Fi!