Richard Joseph Mulvaney Jr.

Richard Joseph Mulvaney, Jr. (70) died on October 12, 2021 in his Herndon home after spending his final days with his siblings and other loved ones. Known as “Rich,” “Richie,” “Uncle Richard,” “Godpapa” and “Pa Rich,” Richard was a story-teller with a quick laugh, a formidable work ethic, and a generous spirit. Born in Colorado Springs and growing up in McLean, Virginia, Richard spent his entire life in Northern Virginia (and knew every square inch of NOVA and DC!). He is predeceased by Delores, his beloved wife of 36 years; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Mulvaney, Sr.; and his sister, Trisha. He is survived by his brothers, John (Mary Kay), Peter (Lisa), Michael (Julie); his sisters, Martha (Pat O’Donnell) and Mary Arevalo; his step-son, Greg Keys; his aunt, Sister Beth Mulvaney, and all their families.

Richard loved sports and devoted countless hours cheering for – and often yelling at – the Washington Football Team and the Washington Nationals. Always the best dressed and one of the most boisterous voices in the room, Richard loved a party and was forever finding a reason to celebrate. He loved a good scotch, a fresh margarita, or a cold Bud Light depending on the occasion, and he was always ready to share a drink with a loved one. He loved traveling, enjoying a nice steak, playing tour guide in DC, hosting poker night, and covering his house with blue lights at Christmas.

Most of all, Richard loved people and had a unique ability to make everyone he knew feel like the most important person in the world.

To know Richard was to know how he adored his “Lorrisee”. He delighted in making her happy and was his happiest beside her - on the beaches of Jamaica, on the dance floor at a wedding, or at the movie theater on a Saturday night. In the five years since her passing, he devoted his days to continuing Delores’ legacy of hospitality, style, and strength.

Richard will be remembered for the way he cared for, supported, and spoiled his wide circle of friends and family. Whether it was a client riding in his car, the bartender or server at a favorite restaurant, or a receptionist at his doctors’ office, Richard quickly got to know people and made them a friend. He would drop anything to help someone in need, gave great gifts, frequently opened his home to entertain, and was an expert listener - never missing a detail about someone’s favorite candy, beverage or food, something they’d like to have, or what was going on in their lives. A people person to his core, Richard kept an impressive calendar until his very last days that included weekly phone calls and texts and many cards and letters sent in the mail to his siblings, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, god-daughters, grandchildren, and pals from all walks of life.

Finally, while he gave the best hugs and had a smile that lit up a room, he also wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was or call you out with a “Geez O’ Flip” if you offered him a craft beer, interrupted a game, or didn’t hold the door for a lady.

Richard was, without question, one of a kind. The family invites you to remember and celebrate him at Murphy Funeral Home (1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046) on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM for a memorial service followed by a 12:30 PM reception at The Westin Tysons Corner (7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043) where we will share light fare, drinks, and stories in Richard’s honor and bestow him with a final “10-4,” his signature sign-off.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial gifts to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at GiveNow.LLS.org (or by mail at LLS-National Capital, PO Box 22446, New York, NY 10087).