Rich was a budget analyst with the Department of Veteran Affairs, where he worked for more than 22 years. He grew up in McLean, Virginia, London, England, and Nairobi, Kenya. The six years he lived in London and Nairobi led to a passion and talent for soccer he carried for life. Returning to Virginia, Rich was an all-American his senior year at McLean High School. He was honored in Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” in the November 24, 1975 issue. Rich was offered a position in the Manchester United Academy, instead his father guided him to college where he played at Lynchburg and American University.
Rich loved to travel and returned to East Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. He returned to London to revisit Stamford Bridge, home of his favorite team Chelsea. In later years his favorite activities were pickup soccer games and juggling a soccer ball to tunes of classic rock and roll.
Rich was a bright light, exuding friendliness and humor. He lifted the spirits and lightened the hearts of friends, family, and anyone else he encountered. Rich made friends everywhere. He made friends everywhere. A bachelor, he ate frequently at Whole Foods, where he donated a replica World Cup ball for the staff’s monthly raffle. The store manager said the ball caused the most commotion and buzz of any raffle. We will all miss Rich and pray that he is at peace in a better place.
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