Leonard W. Riches ’61

Len died Dec. 29, 2024, in Doylestown, Pa.

Born in Philadelphia, he came to us from Audubon (N.J.) High School. At Princeton, he majored in English literature, sang in the Chapel Choir, played in the Band, and joined the Evangelical Fellowship, the Republican Club, and the Nassau Herald. A member of Terrace Club, he roomed with John Frame and Raymond Chiao.

Following a master’s degree in divinity at the Reformed Episcopal Church Seminary and additional studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, he served three REC parishes as rector. He then embarked on a remarkable life of service and leadership in several religious organizations and institutions. He was the presiding bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church and had a leading role in the formation of the Anglican Church in North America, which he served as senior bishop. Along the way he was awarded honorary doctorates at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in 1976 and at the Cranmer Theological House in 1997. In retirement he lived in Upper Bucks County, Pa.

Len is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara; sons Leonard Jr. and Jonathan; and their families, which include four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.