Dr. Richard W. Scott, longtime resident of Warminster, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Ann’s Choice, Rose Gardens. He was 82 years old.

He was the beloved husband of Betty Jackson Scott for 60 years.

Born in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Herman Willis Scott and stepmother, Mary Kathryn “Kitty” Scott.

Music was always one of Dick’s passions, but growing up with humble beginnings, this was difficult for his family to finance.  He mastered many instruments, playing whatever instrument was left over in the school music closet that year.

After he had finished serving in the Army, as a peace-time warrior, where he had played in the 5^th Army band at Fort Jackson, SC, Dick attended the University of Southern Mississippi.  He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1962, where he also met the woman of his dreams, Betty Jackson, who also shared his passion for music.

Dick received his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1964, then moved to Philadelphia, where he taught in the Philadelphia School District at Edison and Overbrook High Schools.

In 1970, Dick and the family moved to Warminster, PA, where he became the instrumental music teacher at William Tennent High School, in the Centennial School District, also taking on the responsibility of Marching Band Director. 

He loved to encourage young musicians, and continued to teach at Klinger, then Longstreth and Willow Dale Elementary Schools.  Over the years, he served as director and assistant for the District Band, String Ensemble, Band and Concert Finale night for the Fine Arts Week.

As an early adopter of computers, Dick continued to author and publish many tutorial music pieces for young musicians, which produced a long-lasting body of work. His preparation of teaching young children the basics of music, included the use of practice tapes for his students, that continued even after he retired. Most characteristic of his teaching style, was the freely given encouragement, which put many a smile on his students’ faces.

Dick received his Doctorate of Musical Arts, in performance, at Combs College, in 1988.

A member of the Cavalcade of Bands for over 43 years, Dick continued to promote Jazz and Marching band competitions by serving as Judge, Jazz Band Judge Coordinator and Administrator. In acknowledgement of his hard work and passion for music, he was inducted into the Cavalcade Hall of Fame in 2003.

He loved to work in the garden. Mulching ever richer soil to grow wonderful bounty of fruits and vegetables, Dick would often feed the grandchildren right from the vine.

If Dick wasn’t writing music or working in the garden, he was fishing …or planning on fishing or talking about fishing or the one that got away. He loved to share all these experiences with his grandchildren. 

Dick and Betty raised two children, Mary and David. Mary is married to Paul Morgan, and David to Alicia (Zilinsky) Scott. He had six grandsons, Seth, Jonathan, Zachary, Joshua, Michael and Matthew.

Dick grew up with four loving brothers, David (deceased), Herman “Joe”, Mark and Samuel Scott.

Family and friends are invited to attend Dick’s Memorial Service on Sunday, May 20^th at North and Southampton Reform Church, 1380 Bristol Road, Churchville, PA  18966.  Visitation will be at 1:00, and a memorial service at 2:00, immediately followed by a time of fellowship and appetizers. The family request you wear lots of color in celebration of his life. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ann’s Choice Scholarship Fund, c/o Philanthropy, 20000 Ann’s Choice Way, Warminster, PA  18974.