Richard Stephen Kuhlhoff

He was lifted into the arms of the angels on August 7, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Daytona Beach, FL in 1941 to Richard and Mildred Kuhlhoff. His father was in the Coast Guard and activated to the Navy. Richard too, felt the call to duty. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1959 and was stationed at Truax field in Madison, Wisconsin. His area of specialty was avionics. While serving in Madison, he went on a date with a young lady. While they did not have a “spark”, her roommate certainly caught his eye. Janice Marie Schommer was a smart, fun and vivacious young woman pursuing a career in the beauty industry. Although her hair color could change weekly … and not always to her benefit, her dimples and her incredible smile won him over. On one of their many dates she lost her footing, slipped on the winter ice and slid right under his waiting car. That graceful move sealed the deal. They were married in May of 1962. Richard completed his USAF military service in 1963 and moved to S.C. where he served a year in the USAF reserves at Shaw Air Force Base.

His post military professional career led him into the world of industrial and commercial development and construction. He held management positions in estimating, operations and new business development. He was hired by some of the largest and most respected companies of the time. Fluor- Daniels, Shaw, Lacona & Ruby Construction. His work assignments took him and his growing family to South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee & Florida. His passion was mentoring young people within these companies which he continued to do this throughout his life. He would often seek out the lone person in the room and spend time with them, offering advice and encouragement.

Richard and Janice had five children. He was immensely proud of them and often shared this pride with anyone he met. He would share stories of their achievements with anyone willing to lend an ear. He was particularly proud of his two sons military service and sacrifice. He is described by his friends as loyal and caring with a love of laughter. His smile could light up a room. His love of animals was BIG. Early on, he would attempt to hide this but then would be found on the floor at 3:00 am playing with the family hamster. He adored his many pet dogs over the years and appreciated the unconditional love they provided. His most beloved pet, Casey, held a special place in his heart and accompanied him everywhere he went. Richard had a lifelong love of ships and all things nautical. His favorite place on earth was in any chair or boat deck that overlooked the ocean. The sea brought him immeasurable calm and peace. It is therefore fitting, and at his request, that his ashes will be scattered into the sea as were his late wife’s.

Richard is preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife of 46 years, Janice; his beloved dog, Casey. He is survived by his five children and six grandchildren. Terri Tatarka (Dan) of Afton, VA and their children Eva and Corey; Tina Piatnitza (William) of Kiawah Island, S.C.; Todd Kuhlhoff - USAF Retired (Patricia) of Grafton, NH and their children Sean and Haley; Trenton Kuhlhoff USMC - Retired (Kelly) of Virginia Beach, VA and their children Kyle and Jordan; Tyson Kuhlhoff of Aurora, CO.

The family will hold a private seaside memorial service.