Richard Allen McCool

McCOOL, Richard Allen, passed away November 3, 2008 at the age of 72 at Massey Cancer Center. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., he was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Edgar McCool and Marie Mongiovi McCool. He is survived by his wife, Sue Lilly McCool. Also surviving are daughters, Catherine L. McCool of Henrico County and Evelyn M. McCool of Florida; sons, Steven R. McCool of Costa Rica and Richard J. McCool of Henrico County; stepdaughter, Vera James Barber and husband, Michael, of Prince George; stepson, Allen Lee James of Hopewell. He is also survived by his beloved grandson, Pvt. Anthony Barber, an MP in the Army who recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. Richard "Dick" served proudly in the military service, first in a brief stint in the Navy, and later in the SAC unit in the Air Force, where he drove and supervised a crash truck at various air fields. He served for several years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, accepting several active duty assignments at Yorktown, Va., instructing classes in federal regulations. Dick was very proud of his service to his country. In 1987, Dick and his wife co-founded Sudic Enterprises, Inc., operating Around The James, Accessories by Vera, Pro-Shop, Pro-Main, USA and The Eagle Network. Working as a team, Dick and Sue were pioneers in the corporate housing business and worked to establish a professional organization and establish standards still followed by corporate housing providers around the world. In 2004, Mr. McCool went to work for Eagle Construction of Virginia and continued there until his death. He valued his many friends and co-workers at Eagle Construction. Dick believed in giving back to the community and was a volunteer with the Tuckahoe Rescue Squad as a dispatcher for several years. He had also served as a volunteer with the Food Bank and many other worthy causes over the years. The most important things in life to Dick were God, family and country. He was always there for anyone when he was needed. He dearly loved his dogs, Robbie and Jack (who passed away unexpectedly 13 days prior to Dick). The family wishes to express thanks to the many friends at Eagle Construction, Joyner Fine Properties, and so many other friends who expressed their love and support during Dick's illness and passing. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6, from 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m. at Welborne United Methodist Church. Interment immediately following at Greenwood Memorial Gardens on Patterson Avenue. A reception and light luncheon will follow at the church, and all are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Tuckahoe Rescue Squad.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.