Richard “Rich” L. Mumau, age 58, resident of 21531 Church Street, Venango, PA died suddenly at his home Saturday morning, February 7, 2009. He had a history of heart issues but enjoyed going to work each day. Born on April 8, 1950 in a Naval military base in Trinidad, he was a son of Wanda McGuire Mumau and the late Robert L. Mumau. On November 5, 1977 he married the former Sandy Lee Wilson and she survives. He resided in Venango since 1980 and formerly lived in Woodcockboro.
Rich graduated from Meadville High School in 1968 and while in school became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Albuquerque, NM in 1972 receiving a BS degree with majors in physical education and history. Returning to the area, he attended Slippery Rock University to receive additional teaching credits. Rich then began a teaching career of 35 years. He held teaching positions as a physical educational instructor at the Brookhouser and Euclid Schools in Saegertown, at Cussewago Elementary School, the Cambridge Springs High School, but primarily at Cambridge Springs Elementary School. For 21 years Rich was the Cambridge Springs Jr. High football coach. He also was instrumental in the forming of the Venango Little League where he coached several teams. Sports were important to him and he enjoyed teaching them to his school children, participating in them himself, and as a spectator of all major sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Penn State Nittany Lions were his favorite football teams. He had a reputation for collecting baseball cards and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed nature and feeding song birds in his back yard. Other interests included a keen fascination for American history.
As a member of the First Baptist Church in Cambridge Springs, Rich was active as a former member of the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Board, and as a member of the Berean Sunday School Class. He attested to his love of the Lord and that prayer was an important part of his life. Rich was known as a selfless person placing other people’s interests above his own. He had a great passion for his school students and loved teaching them. He will be sadly missed by all those whom his life touched, but most of all by his loving family.
In addition to his wife of 31 years, Sandy, Rich is survived by his mother – Wanda M. Mumau Smith of Meadville; a daughter – Heidi Mumau of Venango; two sons – Ryan Mumau and his wife, Amy and their daughter, Haley of Corry; and Joshua Mumau of Venango; a sister – Lyn Hromek and her husband, Tony; two brothers – David Mumau and his wife, Rose of Meadville; and Dan Mumau of Las Vegas, NV together with several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Sunday evening from 7 – 9 and on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held there on Tuesday morning at 11:00 with Reverend Rod Beardsley, Pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating. Memorials may be made to the Venango Volunteer Fire Department, Venango, PA 16440.
My heart-felt condolence goes out to the entire Mumau family. I grew up in Cambridge Springs and had Mr. Mumau as my physical education teacher throughout elementary school. I will always remember how even though I was not an athletic student, he was always there to help me go that extra distance. That made me want to participate more and better myself so I could show him I was capable of accepting challenges. He treated not only me in this way, but all of his students. I have always had a tremendous respect for his passion for teaching and his roots in the community. Even though it has been years since I’ve had him as a teacher, he still would ask my sister, Autumn (grade 11), how I was doing when he saw her at volleyball matches, and to tell me “hello” for him whenever she would see me. He didn’t forget his students, nor did his students forget him, for he was truly great at what he did. Personally, he is one of a few individuals who I’ve always looked up to, and one who helped inspire me to become a teacher. His oldest son, Ryan, with whom I graduated in 2001, has followed in his footsteps – a tribute to the giving and inspiring nature of the Mumau family.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Mumau’s passing. He will always be remembered by myself and my family. This is a tremendous loss not only for current and former students, but for the entire Cambridge Springs community. He will be deeply missed.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Mumau family. My son and daughter enjoyed having Rich for a gym teacher very much. I was fortunate to have known Josh and Ryan while they were in school. Rich’s positive attitude and smiling face definitely will live on though both of them.
Richard made me feel 10 feet tall always. He was a most kind and gracious person. I meet him visiting the Mumau family and he always made me feel welcomed. His family reflects so much of who he is in kind and loving people. I often could find a story coming from him when ever we went some where. He was a consiment historian and delighted in telling significant facts about local lore. He always loved to talk about the latest game and his teams. He was a proud father and brother,and son to his family. He would extended a warm smile and hand shake to all. Richard touched many pepole as he shared his love to others. He reflected his love of God to so many in action and in words. Thanks you for being such a significant person in touching so many lives, and significantly touching the lives of every one you came to meet.
Deepest sympathy to all the family. My prayers are with you. Cindi Higgins, Owensboro, Kentucky
We never met Richard, but we feel the sorrow of his loss through Dan his brother. He and our son are partners in Las Vegas. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of the family he leaves behind. He sounds like a wonderful man. Our prayers are with you all.
Mr. Mumau was an amazing person. In elementary school, gym was my favorite class. Mr. Mumau always encouraged me to do my best and I won lots of physical fitness awards because of him. He was so kind and caring, and if you needed to talk he always would listen. I will miss seeing him around Venango and around the school at sporting events. I wish my 2 children would have gotten to have him in school. He was such a wonderful teacher. He touched so many lives and made us all believe in ourselves.
Rich was a wonderful teacher and coach. He cared more about the players than the game. His love for the Lord was always evident. He will be sadly missed by so many whose lives were enriched by having known him.
I offer my deepest sympathy to Sandy and family
Rich was a wonderful man, always positive and kind. I am so very sorry for your loss. I’m sure you know how proud he was of his family and especially of his first grandchild. He will be greatly missed at Cambridge Springs Elementary School.
Sally Williams