Richard Terry LaPointe

Richard Terry LaPointe, 83, of Falls Church, Virginia, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at home, surrounded by his devoted wife and family. He was born on July 13, 1942, in Key West, Florida, to Ed DeMonte LaPointe and Geneva “Jann” McClure LaPointe.

As a baby, Richard moved with his family to California, later graduating from Pacifica High School in 1961. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a 2½-year mission in Brazil, which nurtured his love for people, languages, and learning. After returning home, he met his sweetheart, Ann Williams, and they married on August 7, 1965. They built a loving home and welcomed nine children, who, along with their grandchildren, were the light of his life.

Richard served in many church assignments, with a special love for his time as a Scoutmaster, where he served for over 10 years and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He and Ann later served three church missions together.

Professionally, Richard was a teacher, administrator, and educational leader, serving at the local, state, and federal levels, including as the youngest mayor in Concord, California’s history, and Superintendent for Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He believed deeply in the power of education and dedicated his career to helping others learn and grow. He enjoyed family history work, cheering on BYU sports, storytelling, and, most of all, being with his family. His family will remember Richard for being a kind and gentle father and grandfather; smart, loyal, and forever wanting the best for all of us.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann LaPointe; eight of his children: Denise Lloyd (Roger), Jennifer Bridges (Steven), Rebecca Wright (David), Kathryn Robison (Timothy), Matthew LaPointe (Serina), Jonathan LaPointe, Andrew LaPointe, and Sarah Persinger (Dallas); his brother, Robert LaPointe (Nora); 25 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard Terry LaPointe II, his brothers Stephen and Michael LaPointe, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, at the McLean Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2034 Great Falls Street, Falls Church, VA 22043, with a viewing at 10 a.m. and the funeral at 11 a.m., followed by interment at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, Virginia. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who have given comfort, most particularly their church community and the excellent hospital staff at VHC. They invite donations in Richard’s honor to the BYU-Pathways Worldwide Fund (https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute/byu-pathway) which supports educational opportunities in 180 countries.