East Dover Fire Co. Mourns Former Chief

A longtime member of East Dover Fire Company and the Toms River Fire Commissioners died of natural causes June 27.

Richard P. Einwechter, Sr, age 82, of Toms River, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at VanDyke Hospice of Community Medical Center in Toms River.

Born in Philadelphia, Penn., he resided in Pleasantville before moving to Toms River in 1959. He was employed as a Station Foreman with Dover Township Municipal Utilities Authority for 37 years before his retirement.

He served his country in the US Navy during Word War II and then re-enlisted in the US Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1948.

He was a communicant of St. Justin's Roman Catholic Church in Toms River. He was a loyal life member of the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company of Toms River moving through the ranks as Fire Chief and then elected as Dover Township Fire Commissioner.

The East Dover Fire Company posted the following statement after Einwechter's death, honoring the lifetime member for his service:

"It is with deep regret and sadness that Station 28 announces the passing of Ex-Chief, Life Member Richard Einwechter. Dick was still active in our company and was one of those individuals who was able to reach across the age barrier and win the respect and love from all those who had the pleasure of meeting him. He had a wealth of knowledge which he eagerly shared with all, and the younger members could always be found listening to his stories about past fires and battles won. He will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him. The fire service has lost one of its pioneers and we all have lost a good friend."

He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather who will be missed dearly by his family.

Einwechter was predeceased by his brother, Russell Einwechter; a sister, Cecelia Hopkins and a granddaughter, Dayna Nine. Surviving is his beloved wife of 56 years, Dorothy (Bunker) Einwechter of Toms River; his son, Richard P. Einwechter, Jr and his wife Cathy of Old Bridge; his four daughters, Theresa Reynolds and her husband John of Little Egg Harbor Township, Shelly Nine-Pera and her husband Michael of Key West, FL, Kelly McAmis and Charles McVaugh of Barnegat and Christal LaPorte and her husband Robert of Manheim, PA; his sister, Jean Sponhiemer of East Smithville, PA and Aunt Mary Whedbee of Egg Harbor Township. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.