Richard Stephan Obituary

Richard William "Rick" Stephan of Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, MD, and Indian Lake, NY, died on January 25, 2026 at age 87.

Devoted and loving husband of Frieda "Freddi" Citrenbaum Flax, father of Dean Stephan (Vivian) and Jennifer Rall (E.G) and grandfather of Gilly Rall (Chloe), Wynfield Rall (Bailee), Forrest Rall (Kaety), Elsa Rall (Cam), Hayden Stephan and Kayla Stephan and great grandfather of Atlas Rall and Sebastian Rall. He is survived by his former wife, Helen R. Stephan, his sister-in-law Dr. Sandra W. Stephan, nephews Peter Stephan and Daniel Stephan and step-daughter Lauren Flax. He was predeceased by his brother, Alan Stephan, and his parents C. Albert Stephan and Elizabeth M. Stephan.

Rick was a graduate of Muhlenberg College and Lehigh University. He served in the US Navy transport squadron and Naval Air Intelligence.

Rick's professional career was dedicated to senior living and senior care. He was founding director of multiple retirement communities, Managing Director of the Longwood Group, chair of PANPHA (Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging, now known as Leading Age), co-founder of PALA (Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association) and co-founder, President and CEO of NewSeasons Assisted Living Communities, partner with his wife Freddi in RickStephan and Associates Senior Living Consultants. He consulted to senior living providers in the US, Great Britain and India. Rick served on numerous boards of trade associations and several non-profit corporations, including Liberty Lutheran Services.

Rick loved the outdoors, hiking and his beloved Adirondack Mountains. He felt blessed by his family and their unconditional regard for each other and he was devoted to and treasured his friends.

There will be a private, graveside service in Baltimore and a memorial service in Philadelphia at a later date.