Memorial Tribute for Richard Atkins
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Richard Seth Atkins
Richard Seth Atkins (10/17/1941-01/24/2025)
In Loving Memory
Woodstock, Georgia
Richard Seth Atkins, a devoted family man, accomplished engineer, lifelong learner, and passionate traveler, passed away on January 24, 2025, after a brave battle with kidney disease. He leaves behind a legacy of love, scientific curiosity, and dedication to both his family and his work.
Richard was a loving husband to Barbara Atkins, proud father to daughter Pamela Atkins and son Ben Atkins, and caring father-in-law to Ben’s wife, Judi Atkins. His greatest joy was watching his family grow and thrive. He cherished his grandchildren: Jordan Atkins, TJ Francisco, and Emily Atkins (wife June), and his two step-grandchildren, Kaley Shuh (husband George), and Anthony Pellingra (fiancée, Natalie). Over the many years, his bond with each of them deepened, creating a family united by love, laughter, and shared memories.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Richard was the eldest child of Irv and Beth Atkins. He grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, alongside his younger siblings, Dr. Mark Atkins (wife Phyllis, d. Margaret) and Sandy Russell (husband John, s. Jason and d. Merry). Richard’s academic journey led him to the University of Rochester, where he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and later, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from New York University.
As a Professional Engineer, Richard traveled extensively, working on projects around the globe—Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America. His career was marked by innovation and leadership, culminating in the co-founding of Environmental Risk Limited (ERL) in 1985 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. As Principal and President, Richard led a team of experts dedicated to pollution control in various industries. He managed and contributed to over 50 power and 20 wastewater treatment projects. After relocating to Atlanta, he continued his work as an environmental consultant. In November 2024, the American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized his 60 years of service and distinguished career.
Outside of his professional life, Richard was an avid stamp collector and genealogist. He had a deep appreciation for food, and looked forward to home cooked meals or a favorite restaurant. Richard had an innate talent for fixing things, and no project was ever too challenging for him, he loved to get his hands dirty and make things work. He was also an admirer of historic buildings and restored three Victorian properties in Hartford, Connecticut. Richard found great joy in spending time with his beloved dog Maggie who was a constant source of companionship and comfort. Richard enjoyed traveling and relaxing vacations with family and friends at Seagrove Beach, Florida, and Lake Hartwell, South Carolina.
Throughout his illness, Richard was deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family—including siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial celebration of Richard’s life will be held online on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Richard’s name to the National Kidney Foundation.
Your generosity will fund the fight to:
- Expand access to home dialysis and kidney transplants for all Americans.
- Increase funding for kidney disease research
-Identify and eliminate kidney health disparities
Every gift, no matter how small, is meaningful to me and will ensure that their legacy can live on in this important work. I would be so grateful for your support to help fight kidney disease.
Thank you.
In Loving Memory
Woodstock, Georgia
Richard Seth Atkins, a devoted family man, accomplished engineer, lifelong learner, and passionate traveler, passed away on January 24, 2025, after a brave battle with kidney disease. He leaves behind a legacy of love, scientific curiosity, and dedication to both his family and his work.
Richard was a loving husband to Barbara Atkins, proud father to daughter Pamela Atkins and son Ben Atkins, and caring father-in-law to Ben’s wife, Judi Atkins. His greatest joy was watching his family grow and thrive. He cherished his grandchildren: Jordan Atkins, TJ Francisco, and Emily Atkins (wife June), and his two step-grandchildren, Kaley Shuh (husband George), and Anthony Pellingra (fiancée, Natalie). Over the many years, his bond with each of them deepened, creating a family united by love, laughter, and shared memories.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Richard was the eldest child of Irv and Beth Atkins. He grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey, alongside his younger siblings, Dr. Mark Atkins (wife Phyllis, d. Margaret) and Sandy Russell (husband John, s. Jason and d. Merry). Richard’s academic journey led him to the University of Rochester, where he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and later, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from New York University.
As a Professional Engineer, Richard traveled extensively, working on projects around the globe—Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America. His career was marked by innovation and leadership, culminating in the co-founding of Environmental Risk Limited (ERL) in 1985 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. As Principal and President, Richard led a team of experts dedicated to pollution control in various industries. He managed and contributed to over 50 power and 20 wastewater treatment projects. After relocating to Atlanta, he continued his work as an environmental consultant. In November 2024, the American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized his 60 years of service and distinguished career.
Outside of his professional life, Richard was an avid stamp collector and genealogist. He had a deep appreciation for food, and looked forward to home cooked meals or a favorite restaurant. Richard had an innate talent for fixing things, and no project was ever too challenging for him, he loved to get his hands dirty and make things work. He was also an admirer of historic buildings and restored three Victorian properties in Hartford, Connecticut. Richard found great joy in spending time with his beloved dog Maggie who was a constant source of companionship and comfort. Richard enjoyed traveling and relaxing vacations with family and friends at Seagrove Beach, Florida, and Lake Hartwell, South Carolina.
Throughout his illness, Richard was deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family—including siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial celebration of Richard’s life will be held online on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Richard’s name to the National Kidney Foundation.
Your generosity will fund the fight to:
- Expand access to home dialysis and kidney transplants for all Americans.
- Increase funding for kidney disease research
-Identify and eliminate kidney health disparities
Every gift, no matter how small, is meaningful to me and will ensure that their legacy can live on in this important work. I would be so grateful for your support to help fight kidney disease.
Thank you.
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