Thomas E. Richards

November 11, 1963 - April 5, 2020

11/11/1963 - 04/05/2020

Past Services

Service

Additional Information:

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Thomas E. Richards died suddenly at his home in Virginia Beach on April 5, 2020. Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the son of Alan and Barbara (Née Brookover) Richards. He was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Old Dominion University, and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Tom enlisted in the Marine Corps as a young man and, following an honorable discharge, went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at Old Dominion University. Shortly after his college graduation, he suffered a brain aneurysm that threatened to end his life. Tom fought hard to make a full recovery from that episode, and went on to serve in the Finance Office at ODU for over 20 years. In retirement, Tom enjoyed volunteering as an ambassador at the Norfolk airport, where he greeted travelers and shared his knowledge of the area. He was always particularly happy to help fellow service men and women find their way.
Tom is survived by his long-time partner, Felicia Stroup; brother, Brook Richards (Anne Marie) of Baltimore, MD; sister, Sarah Richards (John Brown) of Mamaroneck, NY; nephews Malcolm Richards of Washington, DC, and Max Richards of Baltimore, MD; and aunt Mary Ann Richards of Florida. Tom was predeceased by his parents, as well as his aunt, Gwen Cook and her husband Don, and uncle, Evan Richards.
Family and friends will be gathered for a memorial service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Tom’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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Lisa Kellar Gianakos
3 years ago

I’m so sorry for your loss Sarah, and all of your family and friends of your brother too. I can’t imagine losing a sibling… I am thinking of you!

Nathan and Vera Coppedge-Cornish
3 years ago

RIH Tom. We are sure that you will give us the grand tour in heaven as you did so eloquently for us when we became Norfolk Airport Ambassadors! Team CornishVA

Charlie Braden
3 years ago

To Tom’s family –
Tom was a star Volunteer Ambassador at Norfolk International Airport. He was always the first to arrive and was loyal and dependable. He was someone we could count on to lead and to know the right thing to do when dealing with travelers. He was a true professional and will be dearly missed.

angela conley
3 years ago

God bless you guys in this time of loss.

angela conley
3 years ago

Your brother was so kind to me each time I visited your family. He will be missed.

Edmund Yates
3 years ago

Dear Anne Marie and Brook, We are very sorry to learn of the loss of Brook’s brother and send love, support, and prayers to you in this trying time. The Yates Family

A. Marine
3 years ago

Semper Fi Marine, Rip.

Stefan Nieborak & Stefan Jr.
3 years ago

Dear Family Richards and Friends of Tom,
We are saddened by the loss of your loved one and will keep Tom in our daily prayers faithful that he is with you and at place of happiness awaiting to be reunited with all of you.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
(by Mary Frye)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints of snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

I am the flowers that bloom,
I am a quiet room.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.

Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the soft starlight of night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Joe & Summer
3 years ago

Dear Sarah, John & Families,
Words can’t express how saddened we
are to hear of your loss.

Jeff, Meg and Leah Haviland
3 years ago

Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We are so sorry for your loss.