Richard Francis Thompson

Richard Francis Thompson, 71, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on November 7, 2018, surrounded by the love of his family. “Richie”, “Rich” or “Rick” as he was known to his family and friends, was born on November 8, 1947, in Cambridge, MA, and grew up in Somerville, MA. Growing up he loved to play ice hockey, was active in Boy Scouts, as well as active in the American Legion Post with his parents who were both WWII veterans. Rich proudly served his country for 26 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was married to Virginia Roze in 1968. Rich and Ginger had four children while being stationed at many different duty stations which included England, Maine, Spain, and Virginia. He was an avid long distance runner for many years, and was active in the Tidewater Striders. He completed 28 marathons, competed with Navy running teams, and was a nationally ranked runner. He is survived by his wife, Ginger Thompson; children, Sheila Gruchy (Michael), Valerie Matney (Shawn), April Rooney (Jeffrey), and Corey Thompson; grandchildren, Brenna and Paige; and sisters, Sheila Caruso and Bonnie Delaney. He is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Virginia Thompson.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 12, 5-8 pm and a service Tuesday, Nov. 13 both at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23502.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Fisher House Foundation or to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration https://engage.fisherhouse.org/site/Donation2?2262.donation=form1&df_id=2262&mfc_pref=T Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawngroup.com