Richard Jacques Alder, Jr. (71), of Westland, Michigan, passed away on March 6, 2023 from a short battle with cancer (amyloidosis and multiple myeloma).

Richard was born to Richard and Jeanette Alder on July 11th, 1951, in Englewood, New Jersey. He was a very talented musician and teacher, playing piano and woodwinds. By the age of 17 he was the organist at a nearby church and was the 1969 North Bergen High School drum major. After receiving his Masters in Music Education from the University of Michigan as a clarinet major, he began his teaching career in public schools.

Richard loved Michigan Wolverine football and was a season ticket holder since he graduated. His uncanny ability to remember every detail and fact meant he could give you stats from any game, the history of any event, or the details of what happened on a particular day. His passion for musical theater was boundless and kept him perpetually busy, being in over 600 productions as the director, music director, musician, or in on-stage roles and was the go-to person for many theaters in South-East Michigan. He was also very active in the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association, their Solo and Ensemble Festivals, and served as a University of Michigan Band Alumni Association board member. He introduced many people to music in the classroom and as a private teacher.

Richard never said no to an opportunity to perform or teach. He spent a half-century taking every opportunity to expand any person's knowledge who was willing to listen, whether it be in music, history, or mathematics, taught over 15,000 students in his career. A hardworking and dependable person, he could always be counted on to help if he could, even if it meant immediately getting in the car to cover for someone that couldn't make a rehearsal or show. A lover of jokes and comedy, he would always look for an opportunity to make a sarcastic remark or a clever pun that you could never tell if he just thought up or had been saving for years for the right moment.

Richard is survived by his wife Jane, whom he met in the band at U of M and loved dearly, two children Jason (Jenny) and Erik (Lauren), and five grandchildren Rafael, Lev, Willow, Lennon, and Aspen. He is also survived by his brother John (Dorothy) and their children Charmagne and Ted and their children. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Jeanette.

Rich's family will be hosting a visitation at 10:00 am, with an 11:00 am memorial service, and a luncheon following, on April 1st, 2023. The visitation, service and luncheon will be at:

Celebration Lutheran Church

39375 Joy Rd

Westland, MI 48185

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to Celebration Lutheran Church and/or Evalino Productions. Evalino Productions operates out of The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton. Their program mentors young adults and children in all aspects of the theater. Both tabs to connect you to the website to donate are located at the bottom of the obituary page.