Richard (Dick) J. Stanislaw Sr., 86, of Ocean City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
A distinguished educator, musician, and community leader, Dick touched countless lives through his dedication to excellence, his unwavering faith, and his remarkable kindness.
Dick was born November 29, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Benjamin and Alma Stanislaw. Among his proudest childhood memories was building an entire brick house alongside his father in Souderton, Pennsylvania — an early testament to his work ethic and commitment to seeing projects through to completion.
On February 1, 1964, Dick married Becky, the love of his life. Together they formed a formidable and nearly inseparable team for seventy years, raising three children and building a legacy of faith, service, and devotion to community.
Dick’s passion for music shaped both his academic pursuits and his life’s work. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cairn University (Philadelphia College of Bible), a Master’s in Music Composition from Temple University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Music from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Throughout his career, he conducted innumerable university and community choirs, bringing the joy of music to performers and audiences alike.
His professional journey was marked by progressive leadership roles across multiple institutions. Beginning as a high school teacher in Philadelphia and Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Dick advanced to Professor and Department Chair of Music at Bloomsburg University. He served for ten years as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Music at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, then as President of King University in Bristol, Tennessee, from 1992 to 1998. He later held the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Music at Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.
In what he called his “sunset career,” Dick transitioned from academia to serve for eleven years as President and CEO of the Ocean City Tabernacle. Under his leadership, the Tabernacle underwent a season of renewal, growth, and expanded community engagement. Dick strengthened the role of the Tabernacle as both a spiritual home and a trusted presence in the life of the city. During his tenure, the major facility expansions of the atrium, classrooms, preschool, and the youth center reflected his commitment to generational and community service. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the Tabernacle served as a relief center, housing volunteers and distributing over 100,000 pounds of food and supplies to the community. Finally, Dick may be most known at the Tabernacle for one of his favorite sayings from Proverbs 3, “Trust in the Lord,” which was sung at the close of each Tabernacle service, and written into the way he led, listened, and loved.
Dick’s contributions to sacred music extended beyond the podium. He served on the editorial committee for The Worshiping Church: A Hymnal (1990) and co-authored the companion to that hymnal with Donald P. Hustad (1993). He also gathered the Swahili hymn “Yu Mwema, Jesu” for Supplement 99.
In retirement, Dick continued his musical work as director of the Angelus Chorus in Cape May Courthouse and wrote a popular music review column for the Ocean City Sentinel. In 2023, the New Jersey Press Association awarded him first place for his music reviews, recognizing his continued contribution to the cultural life of the shore communities.
Dick’s community service was extensive and heartfelt. He served on the Shore Medical Center ethics committee, opened his home to international students, and supported numerous community initiatives. His dedication to Ocean City earned him Citizen of the Year honors for his work on Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts and the Book of Golden Deeds award for his contributions to the community.
In each role he undertook, Dick served with an eye for the highest possible quality and a focus on meeting the needs of the people and the organizations served. Former colleagues often note both his memorable kindness and his lasting influence in their lives, recalling his unwavering respect for colleagues and community members alike.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife Becky; children Richard (Virginia Heffernan) of Brooklyn, Andrew (Victoria Buksbazen) of Los Angeles, and Natalie (Mark Cherbaka) of Blacksburg, VA; grandchildren Carter (Brooklyn), Noah (Los Angeles), Malayna (Blacksburg, VA), Ayla (Los Angeles), and Lucinda (Blacksburg, VA); sister Carol Lynch (Hobe Sound, FL); and preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Willis. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and excellence that will continue to resonate through the many lives he touched and the institutions he strengthened.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle. Flowers are welcome and appreciated at the memorial service. If anyone prefers, the family requests that donations be made in Dick’s memory to the Ocean City Tabernacle or Central United Methodist Church in Linwood, NJ.
The family extends special thanks to Terry and Carolyn Lothian, David Yun, Brian and Sandra Roberts, Tom Sherf, and the Ocean City Tabernacle community for their support during this time.
Arrangements by The Godfrey Funeral Home.
