Obituary of Richard Fuller Bumer

Richard Fuller Bumer, 92, died peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2023.  He leaves behind his devoted wife of fifty-two years, Mary Beth, their daughter, Elizabeth Anne, son-in-law, Robb, and favorite grandchildren, Caroline Grace and Timothy Richard.  He is also survived by his nieces, Elizabeth Anne and Mary Carolyn Bumer of San Diego, and was preceded in death by their sister, Avery Hale Bumer Dampier.  

Born in Newark, Ohio, Dick was the third son of the late Dr. Charles T. and Mary Elizabeth Fuller.  Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Ted and Jack.  Together, their family cherished academics; their father’s profession in mathematics afforded them college campus living in Dick’s formative years.  

After graduating from Tabor Academy in 1948, where he rowed crew and honed his tenor voice, Dick graduated from Clark University in 1953 with a major in German. After graduation, Dick took a job as a teller for Worcester County Bank, where he stayed for seven years. 

In 1960, Dick moved to Pittsburgh to begin his career with Pittsburgh National Bank, where he made many lifelong and cherished friends.  In 1983, Dick and his family were transferred to Tampa so that Dick could serve as part of opening the PNC Trust Company of Florida.  Dick retired as Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer in 1996 after a remarkable thirty-six-year career with PNC Corp.  Even after retirement, Dick continued to lend his expertise to a beloved private foundation by serving as a trustee until his death.  Though far from his roots up north, Dick always felt at home in Tampa with neighbors and friends he considered family.

Throughout his life, Dick gravitated toward unique adventures that would serve as fodder for an even better story or poem; some of his best tales include shenanigans at Maple Heights, poker with the “Magnificient Seven,” days fighting forest fires out West, working on special projects for the Navy, shanking his golf ball into the tennis courts, and singing on the Cape while his brother, Jack, played piano. 

Whether on the golf course, in the boardroom, or just having a drink and dinner on Saturday night with Mary Beth, Dick’s quick wit and kind smile found joy in everything he did and everyone he met. 

A private celebration of a life well-lived is planned.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks you to consider a donation to Tabor Academy in memory of Richard “Dick” Bumer ‘48.  Donations can be made online  (Tabor Academy · GiveCampus)  or sent directly to Tabor Academy, 66 Spring Street, Marion, MA  02738.