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Richard Linden Evans March 18, 2025

Richard Linden Evans of Nanticoke, Pa passed away on March 18, 2025.

Rick was born in Kingston, a son of the late Peggy F. Evans and Edward B. Evans.

Raised in the Rolling Mill Hill section of Wilkes-Barre, Rick was a graduate of Meyers High School and Luzerne County Community College. In his youth, Rick coached swimming at the Catholic Youth Center and Rally Aquatics Club. He was employed by the Jewish Community Center for 46 years before his retirement where he held the positions of Aquatics Director, Physical Education Director, Assistant Executive Director, Camp Director, and Executive Director. During his 46-year career, he had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless children across the Wyoming Valley. He taught hundreds to swim and the joy of being on the water. His impact was so great that in 2015 he was honored with the local Peace Center Award and the United Hebrew Institute Day School Shobar Award. That same year the Jewish Community Center Day Camp was renamed in his honor to the Richard L. Evans JCC Day Camp.

A lifelong lover of competitive swimming, he served for over 50 years as a swim official at both the high school and collegiate level.

Surviving are his wife, Jean; son Mr. Kyle Evans, his wife Meghan, and their daughters Avery and Addison; son, Lt. Col. Collin Evans, his wife, Kelly, and their son Aiden; his brother James B. and wife Patty Evans of Drums; and, his brother Jeffrey M. and wife Beth of the Poconos.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother Peggy, father Edward, sister Judy, and brothers Edward and Mark.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24 from 5-7pm at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre. His interment will be held privately. The Mamary-Durkin funeral family was honored to count Rick as one of our own staff, and we are deeply saddened by his loss.

Those wishing may make donations in his memory to the UPenn Pulmonary and Critical Care Dept at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?fastStart=simpleForm&program=MC&fund=628688&appeal=PMWEB .

Condolences(9)

  1. Lori Prashker-Thomas says
    March 20, 2025 at 9:15 am

    My heartfelt condolences to the Evans family. Rick was more than a leader—he was a truly kind and welcoming soul. He not only taught me how to swim but also showed me the power of patience, warmth, and inclusion. His kindness touched so many lives, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.

  2. Gail Smith Appelbaum says
    March 20, 2025 at 4:22 pm

    I am so saddened by the news of Ricks passing. We worked together for several years, and have many fond memories that I will always cherish. May he rest in peace.

  3. Brian Fendler says
    March 20, 2025 at 4:37 pm

    Rick was my first boss, and to this day, my favorite. My years working at the JCC Camp under his leadership were not only among my fondest memories, but also transformative for me for my career. He taught me skills and lessons I still use to this day.

    He was also among the greatest supporters and champions of the Jewish community in the Wyoming Valley, despite not being Jewish himself. He championed our community in so many ways, and under his leadership, thousands of children, many of whom were also not Jewish, came to learn about Judaism and Israel, and if not for him, would never have had that opportunity. At a time when anti-semitism and anti-Zionism is experiencing a most unfortunate resurgence, it is because of Rick that so many former campers and members of the community, many of whom are non-Jews themselves, will have the love in their hearts that he inspired to reject this hatred, and, as the Lord commands us all, love thy neighbor as thyself.

    In short, Rick was the best friend the Jewish community of the Wyoming Valley could ask for, and the best boss I could’ve asked for. I’ve always admired him for his dedication to a community and a religion he himself was not a part of. His leadership inspired me and so many others over his many decades of service to the Jewish community, and he will be most sincerely missed. May his memory be a blessing.

  4. Keith Newman says
    March 20, 2025 at 5:02 pm

    To the Evans Family.
    My deepest condolences upon Rick’s passing. He was such a rare person. An authority figure in my life who never used his authority. Kids like me just did the right think because they didn’t want to disappoint Rick. He was a life coach, not just a swimming coach.
    Rick Evans made the valley a better place. He made us all better people. Thank you for sharing him with us.

  5. Deb and Joel Sicherman says
    March 20, 2025 at 7:07 pm

    Gone too soon. Our condolences to Rick’s family and many, many friends. He will be missed.

  6. Ruthy and Howard Spector says
    March 21, 2025 at 7:50 pm

    We are so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. He left wonderful memories to so many children who are now adults with their own children. He is always part of the conversation when summer camp is a topic .
    Our deepest sympathy to Jean, sons and their families.

  7. Debbie (and Ira) Grossman says
    March 21, 2025 at 9:35 pm

    Dear Jean,
    I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the service for Rick, but I send my sincere condolences to you and your family. Rick was a truly special person not only to me but to the entire Jewish community and touched anyone who was lucky enough to know and work with him. His laugh and smile will always be forever in my mind and heart. He was truly a mentor to me and my daughters and never be forgotten.

  8. Dan Messinger says
    March 22, 2025 at 2:12 pm

    Rick Evans, similar to Irv “Fox” Lebowitz, had a profound and lasting effect on an immeasurable number of people through his work at the JCC and their summer camp. Like most young people, we did not necessarily appreciate it at the time. However, Rick’s positive influence has been woven into the fabric of our lives…..he shall not soon be forgotten.

  9. Judi and Howard Newman says
    March 24, 2025 at 1:59 am

    Sending our most sincere condolences to all of Rick’s family on this devastating loss not only to you, but to all of us in the Wilkes-Barre community who were fortunate enough to have him touch our lives. He was one of the finest, most caring and kindest individuals we ever knew, especially when it came to the multi-generations of children who he not only taught to swim but who benefitted through every childhood stage from his warmth, acceptance and encouragement. What a good man! May his beloved memory be for a blessing always.

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