Richard Lee Fillmann

On June 6th, 1940 a happy baby came into the world. Richard Lee Fillmann was born in Washington, DC when the nation’s capital was abuzz with WWII. Richard lived the earlier half of his life on the east coast in Washington, DC and Virginia, and the latter half of his life on the west coast in California and Nevada. He departed August 21st, 2025 at age 85.

Richard was the second of two boys born to John Fillmann (dcd) and Katherine Delia Arendes (dcd), joining his older brother John (dcd). Richard married Joan Vivian Dolan (dcd) in May of 1973, taking on two children, Susan and Greg (dcd).

He is survived by his daughter Susan, two grandchildren, Helena and Dolan, his nieces and nephews, Tammy, John, Denise, Scott, and Angel, and also his grand nieces and nephews, including Scott and Susanna’s son Ryan.

Richard led a classic, hardworking and happy American life. He had a strong work ethic, taking on a number of jobs in his youth, including local newspaper delivery boy, clerk at a local mercantile, messenger, and reporter for the city paper.

Richard loved American sports, especially football, where on any Sunday afternoons he could be found cheering on his favorite NFL teams.

He also loved American cars. His first car was a classic - a brand new Ford Fairlane - that he bought in 1957 when he was just 17. His favorite car, however, was the Chevrolet Corvette he drove later in life.

In his professional life he worked in hospitality. His customers loved him and he loved them. He was the top salesman because he knew how to get business: Genuine kindness. He would proudly say that he made double the salary of his counterparts taking care of people - and working long hours.

Richard left an indelible mark on all who knew him and will forever be remembered for his kind, polite, and gentle ways. He was content in his neighborhood and had little desire to leave his beautiful homes to explore the world. He was happy. He was thankful for a simple life. He was eternally grateful to all of his neighbors, friends and family, especially in his later years.

He was a rare, American classic, and he will be missed.

In lieu of services, Richard chose to be cremated and asked that his ashes remain at home next to the ashes of his wife.