The Reverend Richard Francis Van Wely, longtime resident of Greenwich, CT and the second rector of St. Barnabas Church (Episcopal) in Greenwich, died on August 13, 2023. He was 86.

Born in Albany, New York, Richard was the son of Richard and Myrtle Van Wely. As a boy, he was a member of the St. Thomas Choir School in New York City. He graduated from Siena College in Albany, NY, where he received a B.A. in Sociology. He received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Berkeley Divinity School in 1962 and was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in the Diocese of Albany. He went on to study Biomedical Ethics at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, where he received a Master of Sacred Theology in 1972.  He served as curate at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Albany, NY; rector of Grace Church, Canton, NY; and vicar of Zion Episcopal Church, North Branford, CT and St. Andrew’s Church, Northford, CT. In 1976 he was called to St. Barnabas Church, Greenwich, CT where he served for 26 years until his retirement in 2002.

Richard traveled extensively and enjoyed reading, walks on the beach, singing, dancing, theater, and music. He was a devoted husband to Judy for 65 years and loving father to his 4 children. He was gentle, kind, curious, a thoughtful listener, had a wonderful sense of humor, and told captivating stories. He was a pastoral priest in every sense of the word, unequivocally devoted to his parish and parishioners and committed to helping others.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Lorraine Van Wely, his daughters, Lori Samuel, Janet Labati, and Gayle Quan, his son, Christian Van Wely, three grandchildren, Nicole Rogers, Rachel Botbyl, and Maria Labati, and his sister, Carol Decker. 

A memorial service to celebrate Richard’s life and ministry will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Barnabas Church, 954 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06831.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in his honor to the General Endowment Fund of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 954 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06831 or to Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, 409 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511.