Richard "Dickey" Joseph Schwartz

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Richard “Dickey” Joseph Schwartz, 79, of Annandale, VA, who went home to Heaven on May 23, 2026, at Virginia Hospital Center, previously Arlington Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He passed after a courageous 104-day battle following an acute flare of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and devastating lung disease that scarred his lungs and slowly stole his ability to breathe. Born on November 7, 1946, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Falls Church, VA, Dickey lived a full, vibrant life marked by resilience, integrity, humor, and an enormous capacity to love and help others.

Just months earlier, he had been independent, active, and breathing on his own without the need for supplemental oxygen. The speed and cruelty of the disease left his family in shock. Yet even as his body failed him, his spirit never did. He fought with the same stubborn strength that defined him, holding on far longer than doctors expected because that was simply how strong he was — body and soul — and because he did not want to leave his family. Throughout those 104 days, his daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, remained by his bedside 24/7, fighting alongside him, tirelessly advocating for his care, refusing to give up on him, and surrounding him with unwavering love until the very end.

He is survived by his devoted wife of over 40 years, Rhonda Schwartz; his beloved daughters, Rachel Schwartz and Rebecca Schwartz, both board-certified Family Nurse Practitioners who credit their father with shaping them into the strong, compassionate women they are today; and his siblings: Raymond Schwartz (Anna) of Baltimore, MD; Roberta Cowley (R. Adams Cowley, deceased) of Tampa, FL; Regina Kegel (Dan, deceased) of Lancaster, PA; Roger Schwartz (Laura) of Arlington, VA; Rosalyn Foroobar (Mike) of Fairfax, VA; and Rieta Scott (Keith) of Fairfax Station, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruth Schwartz; his beloved sister, Ruth “Ruthie” LaFontaine, and her husband, Amos “Bucky” LaFontaine; and his son, baby Ryan, whom the family has always carried in their hearts.

Dickey graduated from Ascension Academy, where he was captain of the boxing team, and attended Mount St. Mary’s College before earning his Master’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. Baltimore later became closely tied to his education and early career. His Ascension yearbook captured him perfectly, describing his sincere eyes, innocent expression, and mischievous grin, and joked that when there was a poor turnout for boxing practice, Dickey was the Ascension boxing team. Fearless, athletic, strong-willed, and known as a bit of a troublemaker, Dickey was tough and never one to back down from anyone. He was a natural storyteller who loved sharing memories from his younger days. A self-proclaimed class clown, he often laughed while telling the story of being at Ascension Academy when, while his teacher’s back was turned at the chalkboard, he jumped out of a first-floor classroom window, found a cat, brought it back inside, and slipped back into his seat — all before the teacher turned around. Only when the cat started meowing did the confused teacher ask where it had come from, a story that perfectly captured the humor, nerve, and playful spirit that made Dickey so unforgettable.

Growing up as one of eight siblings, Dickey often spoke of a childhood that was not always easy, but those early experiences helped shape him into the strong, resilient, fiercely protective man he became. They taught him hard work, loyalty, perseverance, and the importance of protecting the people he loved — values he carried into the family he built. Among his siblings, he shared an especially close bond with his beloved sister Ruth “Ruthie” LaFontaine, who was like a soul sister to him and was taken far too soon. Ruthie was also like a second mother to his daughters, loving them, guiding them, and showing up for them with the same devotion and steadiness that defined their father.

He dedicated much of his early career to teaching reading, writing, and mathematics within Maryland’s correctional education system in Jessup, working with troubled youth and adults. He believed deeply in second chances and in helping people better themselves, and he took pride in giving those who had lost their way the tools, guidance, encouragement, and confidence to build a better future. He later served at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Phipps Psychiatric Clinic and also worked as an operating-room technician at Johns Hopkins Hospital. After his work in Jessup and at Johns Hopkins, Dickey returned to Arlington, where he met his wife, Rhonda, and began building the family and life that meant everything to him.

In a second chapter that showcased his grit and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded and ran “Dickey Plumbers,” becoming a licensed master plumber and gasfitter known for his honesty, skill, and generosity. He took great pride in his trade, refused to overcharge, and often performed work for free for those less fortunate. At home, his family never had to call a plumber or handyman because Dickey could fix almost anything himself. Earlier in life, he worked as a lifeguard in Ocean City, MD, and at Lake Barcroft in Falls Church — a natural fit for his athletic build, quick reflexes, and deep-seated drive to protect and help others. He was always drawn to the water, the outdoors, and any place where he could feel free. A tireless worker who never wanted to sit down, he was always active, moving, and looking for something useful to do because having a purpose mattered deeply to him. Whether working, fixing something, helping someone, or taking care of his family, he found meaning in staying busy and being needed.

Above all, Dickey loved his family deeply. His wife, Rhonda, was his devoted partner of more than 40 years, and he always loved her home cooking and the care she poured into their family. His daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, were his pride and joy, and there was nothing he would not have done for them. He was their anchor, protector, safe place, and greatest champion, and he pushed them to excel in education and in life because he believed deeply in their potential. He taught his daughters the importance of honesty, hard work, keeping their word, helping others, standing up for themselves, knowing their worth, and never settling. Strict when it mattered, he raised them with strong morals that helped shape them into the good people they are today. His daughters often thought of him with the line from It’s a Wonderful Life: “Ask Daddy, he knows.”

A man of his word, Dickey lived with integrity, loyalty, and a heart of gold. Generous to a fault, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, whether it was family, friends, strangers, homeless people, or charities he cared about. Dependable to his core, he was the first person people called in a crisis and rarely asked for anything in return. He was the kind of man who always insisted on paying, no matter how many times anyone tried to argue, because taking care of the people he loved was simply who he was. He was affectionate and never held back his love, always making sure his family knew how deeply they were cherished.

He was smart, genuine, and down-to-earth, carrying the wisdom and warmth of an old soul while somehow always remaining happy-go-lucky and young at heart. His legendary sense of humor became one of his greatest trademarks. With his sharp wit and a quick joke for every occasion, Dickey could make anyone laugh — even in the darkest moments — and somehow made heavy days feel a little lighter. Everyone loved Dickey. He loved making his daughters laugh, even if it meant lovingly embarrassing them in public, and he never cared much about what anyone else thought. He was fully himself wherever he went. Full of humor, he loved teasing the people he cared about and making conversation with anyone. He had a larger-than-life presence and was often the life of the party, bringing laughter, warmth, and energy to every gathering. He could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with new friends. Always ready to help, he was the kind of person people could count on — whether to stop and talk, offer advice, lend a hand, or lighten the moment with a joke at just the right time.

He was an avid boxer with a keen interest in firearms and a longtime member of the National Rifle Association. He loved music, especially 80s music and the songs from his younger years, and he had a deep appreciation for the sound of a harmonica and the beauty of a violin. Blasting music in his car was one of his favorite escapes from the world — a simple joy that gave him peace, freedom, and a little time to himself. He loved family gatherings, soaking up the sun, and spending time outdoors. He also loved antiques of all kinds — especially antique cars, tools, machinery, furniture, and art — and had a special fondness for trains and the sound of a train whistle in the distance.

Dickey was a foodie in the best way, with a serious sweet tooth and funny little quirks that made him so uniquely himself. It was not uncommon to find him sitting at the kitchen table at 4 a.m., eating ice cream straight from the gallon or sneaking spoonfuls of cream cheese late at night. He was equally happy with a filet mignon and baked potato dinner, pepperoni and pineapple pizza, steak and cheese or Italian subs, crab cakes, steamed shrimp, scallops, sushi, Thai noodles, an ice-cold bottle of Bud Light, or an equally ice-cold Coca-Cola.

Some of the family’s most treasured memories include trips to Aruba, Ocean City, MD, and Rehoboth Beach, DE; vacations at their Sedona, Arizona home, where they enjoyed hikes up Sugarloaf Mountain and visits to Jerome, AZ, an old gold mining town filled with antique machinery that fascinated him; walks at Green Spring Gardens; visits to Frying Pan Farm Park; peaceful days in the Nokesville countryside, where he loved the quiet and escape from the noise of the world; drives together; visits to Gravelly Point to watch the planes take off and land; the Iwo Jima Memorial; the Sailboat Marina; Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges; trips to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; boat rides in Annapolis; family visits to Hagerstown to see cousins; and the simple joy of running errands together, even something as ordinary as grocery shopping. He also enjoyed evenings in Clarendon at The Liberty Tavern, time spent in Crystal City, and visits to Kilroy’s in Springfield.

Many treasured memories were made at the 2nd Street house — sharing dinners, grilling out, spending time together, and gathering in his garage, one of his favorite places, where some of their best conversations and laughter took place. He also had a gentle love for animals — feeding the deer in the backyard, loving Rebecca’s German Shepherd, Chloe, and Rachel’s Polish rabbit, Mr. B, who would hop onto the couch and give him kisses. Dickey dreamed of owning a large, peaceful farm with many acres of land and his own livestock — an escape he chased through lottery tickets, trips to the countryside, and every peaceful moment he could find away from the world.

Dickey was truly one of a kind — stubborn in the best way, fearless, fiercely protective, and deeply loving. He made everyone around him feel heard, safe, cared for, and loved. When Dickey was there, everything somehow felt a little steadier, safer, and more manageable.

He will also be remembered as a remarkably strong man who survived battles that would have broken most people, including an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2024 that he fought with extraordinary courage. When the cancer required advanced treatment, he underwent CAR T-cell therapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital and endured a long and difficult hospitalization. Afterward, when the illness and treatment left him unable to walk for a period of time, Dickey refused to give up, working his way back through physical therapy, determination, and incredible inner strength. Through it all, Rachel and Rebecca fought beside him, advocating for him, comforting him, and surrounding him with love. Even after everything he endured, he remained young at heart and positive in spirit, still finding ways to make others laugh and lighten the heaviness around him.

Heaven has gained the most amazing angel — a sweet soul with a heart of gold and one truly great man. His love, lessons, humor, strength, and unforgettable spirit will live on in everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Dickey, we love you endlessly and will miss you every single day. Your girls will carry you in their hearts forever, and everyone who loved you will carry a piece of you with them always.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Sunday, June 7, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203. During the viewing, eulogies and brief remarks will be shared between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. as family and friends gather to remember and honor Richard's life.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 8, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 16 East High Street, Hancock, MD 21750, with burial to follow.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather at approximately 3:00 p.m. at Panorama Public House, 3299 Cacapon Road, Berkeley Springs, WV, for a reception and remembrance of Dickey's life. The venue is approximately 15 minutes from the church and cemetery.

For those who wish to honor Dickey's memory, flowers are warmly welcomed, and memorial contributions may also be made to Virginia Hospital Center. His father, Dr. Raymond L. Schwartz, devoted decades of service to Arlington Hospital/Virginia Hospital Center from 1945 to 1989, including serving as chief of medical service from 1946 to 1956 and chief of staff from 1956 to 1962. He also helped organize the hospital’s pulmonary function unit, coronary care unit, and intensive care unit.