It is with great sorrow that I have learned of the death of Dick. He and I were classmates at the University of Baltimore. We were joined at the hip and the closest of friends. Dick was my benefactor and picked up the tab in exchange for my “tutoring” efforts (lol). We would attend parties together and since I didn’t have a car, Dick was the driver. To JoAnn, my heart goes out and I offer my sincere condolences. I remember his parents who owned and operated a cleaners in Dundalk.

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Rick's death.  Rick and I became friends during 1968 when I served under him in the Marine Corps, first in Viet Nam, then at HQ Marine Corp in Washington D.C. Through arrangements made by Rick, after I was released from active duty, I was able to return to Washington for a two week period and  during the second week, my then soon to be wife, Sandy, came to Washington and with Joann and Rick we spent a memorable week-end in NY City. Several years later we met for a week-end in New Orleans and have  yearly  been in  contact and kept abreast of developments through their annual newsletter. We are going to miss him terribly.   Sandy and Marshal W. Dooley

We all owe a debt of gratitude for Rick's tireless advocacy of behalf of the Neuse River and other waters. After the massive fish kills in the Neuse Estuary in the summer of 1995 Rick helped mobilize the public behind policies and investments to reduce pollution from all sources into the Neuse and other rivers.  We've made some progress, but Rick would tell us much more needs to be done.

God bless Rick and his beautiful family. I did not know him well, but his passion for the environment and justice was immediately evident. He had vision and in our interactions he reminded me that there is never a time when there isn't a time to be of service to others. Receive your rest. 🙏🏽

Rick Dove was a true water warrior, risking so much to make our rivers and oceans free of pollution. As the first North Carolina Riverkeeper he set the bar high, using boats, aerial photography, and always the law, to fight those whose greed endangered the people. He was a mentor to those of us who joined him, and will never be forgotten as long as people fight for clean water in NC.  My condolences to his loved ones.

Rick was an awesome person, he was kind, gracious, warm-hearted, and loving.  He welcomed my family into his house with open arms every time.

He will be forever missed.

Semper Fi, Devil-Dog.

My heart goes out to you, Joann.  You and Rick were quite the pair.  Love and hugs for you and your family.

Rick was one of the most dedicated people I knew towards helping North Carolina's   water quality problems in our estuaries. It was an honor to work with him and to know him.

Jess H. Hawkins lll

To Rick's family, many condolences. We wanted to say what a remarkable person he was, whose work was modest but monumental. We admired his deep commitment to environmental and social justice, and his fierce, principled advocacy on behalf of the waters and lands he loved. He was a true patriot in so many ways, someone who served his country and his community with skill and care. He once flew some of our Chinese colleagues to livestream to tens of thousands of people in China (home of the parent company of Smithfield) the despoiling of rivers and streams by the manure lagoons at pig factory farms  that had overflowed (again) after heavy rains. We admired his probity and tenacity and public spiritedness. We will miss him, and  his example.  His legacy is large. 

Sincerely, 

Mia MacDonald, Brighter Green
Martin Rowe, Culture & Animals Foundation

Rick was such a good person and meant alot to our family,  I am thinking of how in 1997 watching him on dateline.  Mom and Aunt Margie were both so proud in a letter i just found. He also helped set up our most special trip in 2006 so we could all spend Thanksgiving together. My mom and dad talked so proudly of their nephew and loved him and  all of his family so very much, as i do too. Rick took so many good family photos on our trip to the beach.  He made us all a dvd What a blessing he was to so many.  I am so sorry how sad this world can be, but so thankful for the loving people like Rick we get to be with for as long as we are able.  He was so much fun whenever we had the chance to be together.

Rick was a great man and was very kind and respected in his family and community. The times I remember with him and his family were always cheerful.  Semper Fi Marine, we have the watch!

One of the most vivid memories I have of Rick was at our last Family Reunion in NC.  He showed a video of himself and Joanne so in love with each other, I believe still dating.  We laughed at how many times he would sweep her up in his arms.  It was quite beautiful to see them both so young and happy.   Then on a trip to Seattle over ten years ago my husband, Mark, got to meet him.  He was so easy to speak with and told Mark about how much he loved my Dad.  When he was very young, probably a teenager, my Dad took him fishing and thought it was the greatest favor he could have done.  I think this was a little before my Dad married Rick’s Aunt Theresa in the early 40’s.  Rick was a hugger, a doer, a thinker and a grand gentleman .  I loved Rick and he will be missed greatly.  God Bless him  and his family.  With love from one of his West Coast cousins, Rita Cooke Harbaugh

Joanne, family and friends:  first met Rick when we were neighbors and classmates at the Naval War College. We played racquet ball several times a week and he beat me every time.  Both of us received orders to 2d MAW, Rick as Judge Advocate and me as a group CO then ACOS G3, and COS.  I often leaned on Rick for legal advice and counsel and he never once let me down.  We also had boats at the Hancock Yacht  Club and he mentored me again on boating and ecology, plus continued to beat me at racquet ball.  I loved the guy and his passing will leave a big hole in all of our lives.  If I can do the smallest thing please don’t hesitate.  
Love and Semper Fi,
Dick and Providence Upchurch
Colonel USMC (Ret)

Our neighborhood, and a much bigger world have lost a real champion of the problems our world faces.  The challenges of pollution and water quality maintenance were kept in the open and addressed by Rick Dove in a totally professional manner.  His efforts to keep information flowing and in front of the appropriate officials   have been greatly appreciated.  His causes should remain open and in full view with the same energies he had.
Thankyou, Col Dove, for your efforts.

Joanne and family, I first met Rick & Joanne at a cocktail party in !980 at Cherry Point.Rick became the 2nd JAG .  and as a Group Commander , I had many meetings with Rick where he would provide excellent legal  expertise. We became fast friends. He was always there for who ever needed him.I have truly been  blessed to have him as a friend. He will be missed by many folks.
Joanne,  if I can help please let me know.
Al Younger
Colonel of Marines (Ret)

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard Jerome Dove

24 juillet 1939 – 22 août 2025

Cotten Funeral Home

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