Richard Miller Petre

Dr. Richard Miller Petre, (91), passed away on April 16, 2025, in Frederick, Maryland. Raised in Maugansville, Maryland, he was the son of Luke and Mary Petre and the husband of the late Patricia Weicht Petre. Dr. Petre was a graduate of Hagerstown High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College in 1957, his master’s degree from Western Maryland College (McDaniel) in 1960, and his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in 1970.

 A lifelong educator, he started his career with Frederick County Public Schools in 1957 as a classroom teacher and subsequently served as the County Supervisor of Reading. In 1970 he was named State Supervisor of Reading at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). He served as the MSDE Assistant Deputy Superintendent from 1978 until 1991. Over the years, he led many statewide projects, including Project Basic and the Maryland School Performance Program (MSPAP) which he jokingly claimed he named for his wife, Ms. Patricia Anna Petre. In his later years, after their move from Walkersville to Homewood Retirement Center, he continued his love of teaching by leading weekly current events discussions with residents.

Dr. Petre is survived by Patricia’s daughters, Kristine Heyde Pearl, Ed.D. (George), Kendra Heyde, CPA (John), grandsons, Dr. Kevin Pearl (Kelly), Ryan Pearl (Jessica), Charlie Pearl, and great-granddaughter, Stella Pearl. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Peggy Spitzer Ph.D. (Jay), Clark Spitzer (Elena), Barb Kaplan (William), Linda Lohrbaugh, and Donald Strite (Jean), grandnieces Emily and Carolyn Christoff, Jennifer Hankins, Ashley Taylor and grandnephews Aaron Spitzer, David, and Kevin Kaplan, Jeremy Taylor and Steven Strite.

In addition to his wife Patricia, he was predeceased by his parents, Luke and Mary Petre, his first wife, Dorothy Spitzer Petre, and his sister Martha Strite. Dr. Petre was a devoted member of the Frederick and the Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, where he often served as organist. In his later years, he was a member of the Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held Tuesday, April 22 at Long Meadow Church of the Brethren Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Homewood Chapel in Frederick at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com