Richard Halton Rountree

Richard Halton Rountree, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. Rick grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, graduated from Wayne High School and immediately answered the call to duty by enlisting in the United States Navy that same year. He served honorably from 1963 to 1969, including a deployment to Vietnam in 1966. During his years of service, he was stationed aboard the destroyer USS Stickell (DD-888) and the USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849). His bond with his military brothers endured throughout his life. In 1991, he became a Charter Member of the USS Stickell Association, organizing annual reunions with his comrades, and remaining a proud member until his passing.

Upon completing his military service, he began working at R&L DataCenters, Inc. in Bloomsbury, NJ. In November of that same year, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Clark from Centreville,, MD. Together, Rick and Carolyn spent their working years raising their daughters, Carrie and Megan, on Story Book Farm in Glen Gardner, NJ,

While raising his family and building his early career, Rick utilized the GI Bill to pursue higher education. He attended Lafayette College and later graduated magna cum laude from Trenton State College in 1974, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. From 1979 to 2001, he served as the Director of Information Services for the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District.

Upon retirement in 2001, Rick and Carolyn moved to Easton, MD, to enjoy a slower pace of life. Rick kept active and enjoyed a wide variety of interests. He was an avid tennis player, a passionate football and baseball fan, and spent a wonderful 10 years working a "fun job" as a crew member on the historic Oxford-Bellevue Ferry line. Above all else, Rick's greatest joy was his family. He treasured every moment spent with them, and nothing brought a brighter smile to his face than being with his beloved grandchildren.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Frances Angell Rountree; his sisters, Beth & Caroline; and his brother, Allen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Rountree; his devoted daughters, Carrie Rountree and her partner Drew Rice along with her son Marco Rountree, and Megan Rountree Verger, along with her sons Richard Verger and Theodore Verger; his sisters, Susan King and her husband Thomas, and Margaret Rountree; and sister-in-law JoAnn Rountree. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rick leaves behind a legacy of hard work, patriotism, and profound devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Wishing him "Light winds, smooth seas, and happy sailing."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund at give.kidneyfund.org. 

In keeping with Richard's lifelong dedication to public service and education, he has generously donated his body to medical science. Due to his donation, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1pm at Lower Valley Presbyterian Church, 445 County Road 523, Califon, NJ. A repast luncheon will follow at Story Book Farm in Glen Gardner, NJ. 

Arrangements by Naughright-Scarponi Funeral Home in High Bridge, NJ. 

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