Company - MidAtlantic Vegetable Shortening Co.

MAVS CO-FOUNDER, RICHARD THEOBALD,

On March 25, 2008, MAVS suddenly lost Richard Theobald, co-founder of

Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Shortening due to complications from diabetes, and an aggressive brain tumor.

Richard was 56 years young.

He is survived by his mother, Belle Theobald, his brothers Calvin and Perry, his sisters Adeline, Jake (Geraldine), Priscilla, Lucinda, Elizabeth and Regina, his wife, Teresa (Tess), his children Sara and Chris, and his companion,

He was recently predeceased by his father, Calvin, Sr, and previously, his brother Michael.

Richard founded MAVS with his brothers Calvin and Perry in 1983.

In the early days of MAVS, Richard was not only the salesperson, but he shared other responsibilities with his brothers during his 12 hour days including Oil Filler, Shipping Manager, Delivery Person, Purchasing Manager, Construction Worker, QC Manager, R&D Department, and a host of other jobs at a princely $100.00 per week salary.

This sacrifice set the foundation for a thriving Company with over 70 full-time employees, and one of the major producers of Shortening, Oil, and Margarine products on the East Coast.

Richard was the lead person in acquiring the Kearny property in 1997, the current location of MAVS.

Richard's interests included playing one of his 2 Martin guitars, spending quality time with family and loved ones, going to plays, being a good son to his mother, working to build the business with his brothers...and acting.

In recent years, Richard pursued his passion for acting, studying diligently, and auditioning for TV, Movie and Stage roles. He was in several plays, and was fulfilled in this passion, yet pursued bigger, greater roles.

Richard was absolutely one of the most colorful, incredibly intelligent people that you would ever meet. Once you met him, you would never forget him.

At times, Richard had a rough exterior... but deep down, he was one of the kindest persons that you would ever meet. Richard was the kind of guy that would go the extra mile for you, if he believed in you or your cause.

This entrepreneur from Kearny was a father, a son, a brother, an actor, a musician, a mentor, a partner.

Whatever his relationship was to you, he could be one of your best friends.

He was indescribably unique.

Richard Theobald will be missed tremendously.

_______________________

RICHARD THEOBALD

Name:

Richard F. Theobald

Date:

October 5th, 1951 - March 25th, 2008

Obituary:

Richard Farrar Theobald, 56 passed away on March 25, 2008. During his three month battle with cancer, his caretaker was his nephew, JV Spangle. He is survived by his wife of30 years Teresa (Sherwin), his two children, Christopher and Sara, his mother Belle, six sisters, Adeline Theobald, Priscilla Spangle, Lucinda Fornaro, Elizabeth Theobald, Jake McCarthy and Gina Plage, two brothers, Calvin and Perry and 19 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Calvin Coolidge Theobald and his brother Michael. Richard grew up in Kearny, NJ, raised his family in Little Silver, NJ and has been residing in Manhattan. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bloomfield College. He was the proud owner of Mid Atlantic Vegetable Shortening Company along with his two brothers. Richard was the Vice President of his company in charge of sales for 28 years. He worked at the Theobald Industries and Harrison-By-Products where he held a gold seal in Steam Generation and Refrigeration. He was an active member of the American Fats and Oils Association and the Philadelphia Bakers Club. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Mayflower of New Jersey. He loved Broadway and starred in "Lady Mindys". Richard had a love for music. He played the guitar and organized "The 2001 Man Band" with his brothers as early at 1967. He took great pride in doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. He traveled extensively and was truly a brilliant man. He will be missed by many friends from the Perry Street Workshop; Karl, Lillian, Earl, David, Jamie and especially Lisanne McDonald. They have loved and supported him through troubled as well as good times. Richard will be remembered for his work ethic, his generosity, his clear blue eyes and his charming smile. We lost a brother who was a big part of our life but we know his soul is with others whom we hold dear to our hearts.

Memorials:

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

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