Richard Joseph Riordan

Richard Joseph Riordan, 90, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, passed away on September 1st, 2025.

He was born May 24, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, and was the son of Alvin and Loretta Riordan.

He was also preceded in death by his mother (Loretta), father (Alvin), brother Jack, brother Jim, and sister Eileen.

Having turned 90 this past May, he celebrated the milestone with family in true “Dick Riordan” fashion by shrugging it off with a grin and declaring, “I don’t know what the big deal is, I’m only turning 30.” That playful defiance of age captures the spirit of the man we now honor and remember.

In October 1954, Richard began military service in the National Guard while attending college. He later transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served with distinction as an Artillery Officer until April 1968, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. His service was a source of quiet pride, reflecting his commitment to duty and country.

Richard earned his master’s and Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Michigan State University in 1965. Two years later, he and Barbara, his wife of 63 years and the love of his life, moved to Atlanta, where Richard helped found and build the counseling psychology program at Georgia State University. For more than 40 years, he taught, mentored, researched, and shaped the field, leaving behind generations of students, colleagues, and friends who carry forward his wisdom. His books, “Therapy American Style” and “Stress and Strategies for Lifestyle Management”, reflected his belief that psychology was not only an academic pursuit but also a practical guide to living a healthier and more meaningful life.

Beyond academia and service, Richard cultivated another kind of growth. An avid gardener long before “organic” was fashionable, he was especially proud to earn his Master Gardener certification through the University of Georgia Extension Service. Each summer, his front yard became part farmstand, part life lesson. He set up tomato stands for his children and later his grandchildren, where they would sell a basket of tomatoes to neighbors for a dollar. After everyone had grown, Richard kept planting and harvesting, generously giving away his crops to family and friends.

And then there was his humor—sharp, mischievous, and occasionally outrageous. His five grandchildren quickly learned to love and laugh at what they dubbed the “G-Dad Line”—that moment when his wit crossed boundaries in ways only he could get away with. They adored him for it, and so did we.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; his daughter Christine; his son Steve; his daughter-in-law Becky; his sister Mary Jane Novak; his brother-in-law Robert Novak, and his grandchildren Shannon, Joey, Thomas, Mikaela, and Mason, who will carry forward not only his stories and sayings, but also his irrepressible spirit.

His legacy is one of love, learning, laughter, service, and a life fully lived. As he might remind us, age is just a number. So let us keep planting, keep laughing, and keep crossing the “G-Dad Line” now and then.

A celebration of life service will be held on October 27 at 10:00 a.m. at All-Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org/donate) or the American Heart Association (heart.org/donate). Contributions can be made online.

The Riordan family extends heartfelt thanks to friends, neighbors, and loved ones for the kindness, prayers, and support they have shared during this time. Your love and generosity are deeply felt and will always be remembered.