Herbert Smith Delbridge Jr.

Herbert S. Delbridge, Jr., age 82 of Rockville, Virginia passed away at his home on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Herb is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda B. Delbridge. He is also survived by his sons, Curtis K. Delbridge of Rockville, Virginia and John Andrew “Andy” Delbridge (Debra) of Beaverdam, Virginia; his grandchildren, Sterling K. Delbridge (Casey) of Rockville, and Andrew B. Delbridge of Beaverdam; his great-grandchildren include Kent Delbridge, Colten Anderson, MacKenzie Delbridge and Savannah Delbridge. Mr. Delbridge is survived by his sisters Elaine D. Lynch of Lawrenceville, Virginia and Marion D. Warren of Santa Fe, Tennessee, one brother Jerry W. Delbridge of Emporia, Virginia.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Dossie G. Gordon and his father Herbert S. Delbridge, Sr.; sisters Barbara D. Webb and Nancy D. Singleton.

Mr. Delbridge served his country for two years in the United States Army and eight years in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he earned many medals for his actions in “The Bay of Pigs” threat and in "Operation Buffalo", one of the fiercest and costly battles in Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps. While in Vietnam, he was wounded three times and received the Purple Heart Medal and is recognized in the Purple Heart Hall of Honor. He was a dedicated member of the James M. Slay Detachment #329 of the Marine Corps League and the Military Order of the Purple Heart – Chapter 1965. He was also a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Delbridge was the founder and creator of the Purple Heart Firetruck, a rolling war memorial with airbrushed painted scenes depicting the realities of the Vietnam war. Since 2014 Mr. Delbridge has traveled throughout the State of Virginia attending parades, patriotic events, and community festivals to bring honor and recognition to all Veterans, and especially to remember the 58,317 who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam.

Relatives and friends are invited to Herb's visitation at Woody Funeral Home-Parham, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA on Thursday, December 21 from 5-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Crossroads Community Church, 16050 Mountain Rd., Montpelier, VA 23192 on Friday, December 22 at 11 AM. Interment will full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on

Friday, March 1, 2024 at 3 PM. Please arrive to Arlington National Cemetery by 2:15 PM.