Rick Carstater

Rick Carstater passed peacefully March 6, 2026, at Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 21, 1940, to Dr. Eugene D. and Catherine Marie Carstater. They moved to Hampton and Fairlington before settling in Falls Church, Virginia. Rick graduated from McLean High School in 1959. He enjoyed working with cars and developed a love for classic and antique cars.

Although he was employed over the years at A&P, United Beverage Distributors, Neary and Sons, and Lighting Maintenance Inc., his natural talent was as a tradesman. Anything to do with house construction and renovation, he did it all. As many friends and family will attest, not only did he have a wealth of knowledge; he would help and teach you, at the same time.

Rick met his wife Patricia, in 1986 and they married two years later, bringing together the Adams and Carstater families.

Together, Rick and Pat designed and built their dream beach house, “The PatRick” in Corolla, North Carolina. It was his favorite place and he enjoyed time spent in Swan Beach with family, friends and neighbors.

Rick is survived by Pat, his wife of 37 years; his sister-in-law Carole Carstater, daughter Sandra Daubenspeck (Rob) and Stepson Donny Adams (Karla). He was Grandpa Rick to five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and Uncle Rick to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother David Carstater, sister Joan Davey, stepdaughter Wendy Adams, stepson Randy Adams and grandsons Jacob Daubenspeck and Brantley Cyr.

On Friday, March 13 from 3pm to 7pm, the family will be hosting a visitation at Murphy Funeral Home (1102 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046).

On Saturday, March 14th at 9:30am, family and friends are welcome to meet at Murphy Funeral Home for a procession to the graveside service at 10am at National Memorial Park Cemetery, 7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA) followed by a gathering at their reception hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s name to Carova Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue for the future Station 7-2 that is planned for Swan Beach. (CBVF&R Auxiliary, Attn: Swan Station Fundraiser, 2169 Ocean Pearl Rd., Corolla, NC 27927)