Richard Ding Ho, of College Park, Maryland, beloved son, brother, uncle, grand uncle and friend, passed away on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his siblings Byron (Minte) Ho, Betty Ho, Roger (Wan) Ho, and May (Tony) Soohoo. Beloved uncle to Jennifer (Robert) Hayes, Jeffrey (Kim) Leng, Brian (Silver) Ho, Ryan Ho, Alyssa (Simon), April (Davy), Rebecca (Eric) Ho, and many grand nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in passing by his father Yan Kit Ho, and mother Foo Kan Chan.

Richard was a humble, quiet, hardworking man, who led an impressive life. He was born in Hong Kong, and as a preteen, immigrated with his family to New York City, NY. Richard went to high school at Brooklyn Technical High School, before earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Princeton University. Upon graduation, he completed his Masters of Aeronautical Engineering, and started his PHD of Astrophysics at University of Maryland College Park.

Richard had an impressive career at NASA Goddard, where he worked as an Aerospace Engineer, and played a large part in many major projects such as the Earth Observing System and the Hubble Space Telescope. He was a quiet, humble, and kind man. Without knowing his background, you would never know Richard was a space engineer. Richard always downplayed the things he was a part of. It only took a Google search by relatives to find clips of Richard giving a pre-launch update, or his name on engineering documents that are now part of our country’s historical record.

Richard truly was devoted to his family and friends. He was always there to help, providing support in anyway he could. Richard was an avid reader and foodie. His bookshelves were filled with topics ranging from cooking, to mathematics, to poetry, to the latest Times Best Seller. Richard loved a good meal. Visits with family and friends were always an opportunity to eat at a restaurant.

His loss will be deeply felt by those who knew him.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, his body has been donated for research to Uniformed Services University at Bethesda Naval Hospital, and his remains will be cremated. A service and celebration of life is scheduled on Thursday, July 3rd, 1-4PM at the lobby and party room in the Towers in Westchester Park condominiums.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital Foundation.

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