Richard H. Lane, commonly known as Doc, passed away on Tuesday May 31, 2022, at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ at the age of 82.

He was born May 30, 1940 in Astoria, Queens, NYC to Harry H. Lane (Pud), a well known cartoonist and Kathlyn Kerrigan (Kitten), a Broadway performer. The family relocated to Massapequa, Long Island and later to Greenwich, CT.

In 1963, Richard graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Science and Engineering. He came to Woodbridge that same year as a high school teacher and stayed for 43 years, retiring in 2006. A few years after being a teacher he attended Wisconsin State University to get his doctorate degree. As of that point he was known as Doc, the fun yet mad physics teacher at the high school. To many Doc was his given name, even he would sometimes forget. Retirement was a word he used very loosely since he was teaching Astronomy at Middlesex County College from 2006 to 2021. He would always say that the moon landing was one of the biggest and unforgettable moments of his life.

Doc was heavily investested in the community, especially sports such as soccer and track and cross county as officials. He was a wrestling coach for 40 years and he was also a founding member of the Woodbridge Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T). Doc was active in the community until his last days, the sound of people gathered together, laughing and enjoying themselves made his day. In the last few years his ability to do things had declined, but that didn't stop him. If he could he would.

In the 70s he started his own business; house painting and repair. He was not just the fun yet mad science teacher, he was a great mentor in and out of school. Doc employed his own students during the summer. Many of his students/workers used the skills they learned from working with him and built their own careers. One of his favorite moments were when former student workers would tell him that they have made a better life for themselves because he believed in them. Doc's Painting and repair business lasted well into the 90s. He was a celebrity around town, everywhere he would go someone would recognize him and most often it would be a former student and or worker. Many would come up to him and after their chat, he would turn to you and say "I have no idea who that was, former student I guess", with 43 years of teaching he had countless students. He never seeked attention but he always appreciated seeing his kids, as he would call his students, and what became of their lives.

The man that never took a break shifted his business to Pennsylvania, where he renovated and restored houses in the town of Susquehanna Depot. And where he became a beloved member of the Susquahanna community. Even in his last days he was still doing business.

In addition to his parents, Doc is predeceased by his brother, Howard V.  Lane earlier this year. Despite his love of children Doc never married or had any children of his own. His family was made up of former students/workers who stayed by his side until the very end, Matthew Williams, Denis Lipari and George L. Medrano. Each one from a different generation which is a testament to Doc's longevity and his dedication. A long life of helping others before himself, supporting his kids to follow their dreams no matter the obstacle.

Richard (Doc) Lane lived a long and amazing life full of events and moments that shaped the man he had become. A man that will never be forgotten and loved by all who met him. Doc will be deeply missed. We have lost a man like no other, a man that was one of a kind.

A father to many and a friend to all.

Doc requested not to have a funeral service for him. He would like to be remembered as he was with a smile on his face and full of life. So with a heavy heart we will honor his wish. He will be cremated as he requested and his ashes be scattered on the Susquahanna river on his property. A place he loved very much, a place full of memories.