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.
Mumau, Richard 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.