Dr. Richard J. Shaker - Obituary

r. Richard John Shaker, “Dick”, 83, a 26-year resident Annapolis, MD and previously of Columbia, MD, passed away on September 14th, 2025, at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Shaker was born on February 24, 1942, in Quantico, Virginia to the late Master Sargent Richard and Lidia T. Shaker. He was a graduate of the University of Chicago, receiving his BS, MS and PhD in Mathematics. Dr. Shaker founded Shaker Financial Services, pioneering the quantitative strategy of discount capture using closed-end funds. Prior to that, he was the Chief Mathematician at the National Security Agency (NSA) where he worked for 26 years. In 1970 and 1974, he won the Mathematics Society Award for best technical paper of the year. In 1980, the Director of the NSA presented him with the Cryptologic Literature Award in recognition of a “lifetime of work” citing 22 publications. In 1992, he received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Services as a member of the Senior Executive Service. Throughout his career, his favorite projects were those where he mentored younger mathematicians. Dick loved spending time with family and friends. He was an avid bridge player, recently achieving Bronze Master status. His lifelong passion for theatre led him to his recent investments in two Broadway Musicals: The Band’s Visit and Buena Vista Social Club. He was a passionate local sports fan cheering for the Washington Commanders/Redskins, where he was a season ticket holder or over 50 years, the University of Maryland Terrapins men’s basketball and the Washington Nationals. Dr. Shaker is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Roberta K. Shaker. He is also survived by son Richard J. Shaker, Jr. and daughter-in-law May of Forest Hills, New York; son Robert M. Shaker and daughter-in-law Shauna of Arlington, Virginia; daughter Kathryn S. Baummer and son-in-law Daniel of Arnold, Maryland; five grandchildren: Devon and Nigel Baummer, and Mia, Eleana and Audrey Shaker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway Cary, NC 27513 or to Doctors Without Borders USA P.O. Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030. At this time all services will be private. Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by using the memories tab on this page.