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Richard Medley Obituary
Richard Allan Medley, 62, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away suddenly on October 9, 2020. Richard was born in Coshocton, OH to Richard Medley and Mabel Lorine Medley. Richard was the husband of Caroline Medley of Portsmouth, RI.
Richard attended the United States Naval Academy, class of 1980, as well as MIT for his Engineer's Degree - EE. He went on to serve in the United States Navy. He was the Commanding Officer of the USS Providence 719, and when he retired from the Navy, worked at the Naval Underwater Warfare Center for the last 16 years.
While he was a playful jokester and prankster from a young age, those who knew Richard best remember him as a giving person (especially remembering your favorite food) and a passionate storyteller. He loved movies and would often share his thoughts with a movie quote or trivia. He also loved computers and would play Lords of the Realm II forever if allowed.
Besides his wife Caroline Medley and mother Mabel Lorine Medley, he is survived by his daughter Cheryl Medley and her wife Jae Vick of Vermont, and his daughter Sarah Medley of New Hampshire, his brother Randy Medley and his sister Lori Pethel of Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his father Richard Medley.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring, the date is to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy Dolphin Scholarship Foundation (dolphinscholarship.org/giving/donations/honor-memorial-giving/)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Medley
Betty Fielden
September 20, 2024
As I was searching web, I came upon Richards page. It is so touching. I was Richards aunt, and when he was a child he spent so much time with me. I loved him like he was my son, and I still shed tears, thinking of him. I know he will be in heaven with many who loved him. I am 83 now and I only pray that I will bet a hug from him when I leave this earth.
Dan Farson
October 28, 2020
My condolences to Caroline and family. I was a submarine CO in Groton (different squadron) when Rich as on PROVIDENCE, and was enrichened by our conversations. Then we served together at NWDC Newport RI 2003-2005, where he really helped me a lot. He made a lot of good things happen during his life.
19th Company Class of 1980, Greatest Class to pass through the pearly gates of U
October 23, 2020
Rich was an intriguing and intrigal member of the Cloud 19 USNA Class of 1980. Rich was our most intelligent Classmate in the USNA Class of 1980. Rich could derive any engineering, mathematical or physics solution from E=mc2. He tudored and assisted us all in any course work where we could not determine a solution too a problem or understand a concept.
Rich also was a key member of Cloud 19's mystique and expertise in the execution and planning of numerous pranks that could nor be solved by the USNA's bureaucracy that the Class of '80 enjoyed confusing and thwarting.
Rich is our brother who now joins Don Woollett, Phil Connel, Prudente Basic, Gene Huether, and Mark Rossano in heaven. We all are Memorializing Don Woollett 's KIA event in Beirut, Lebanon on 23 October 1983 this weekend and will now add Rich to our memories.
Our brotherhood and friendship will live eternally.
Our regards,
Rick China, Gene Bradley,Ted Makita, Bob Aller, Matt Lampugnano, John Holmes, Jay Whitlock, and Nick Katsiotis
Alan Easterling, CAPT (USN) ret
October 23, 2020
Rich was my roommate at the Naval Academy and a dear friend. His heart was as large as his intelligence and like so many of my classmates, I too am in his debt for making it though electrical engineering. He always had this low-key way of looking across the desk, arms crossed in front of him, shaking his head, and saying, "How can you not understand this?" and then bursting out into a guffaw of good natured laughter.
We spent so many late nights trying to make sense of life and our part in it. It was Rich who always had the best answers.
We went our separate ways after graduation, but he always stayed with me. And now he is profoundly missed.
Caroline and family, please accept my condolences.
Norman Tracy Screeton
October 23, 2020
Rich helped me with Calc Plebe year when I was in over my head. Thanks to him, I was able to get through Calc. He was one of the nicest, most helpful, friendly, and smartest guys in the company, and that is saying a lot about Cloud 19.
Frank Randazzo
October 22, 2020
I am deeply saddened. My name is Frank Randazzo. I was the first enlisted Navy SEAL to go to Annapolis. I owe Rich Medley, or “Meds” as we called him, a debt of gratitude that I can never repay. He was my tutor for 1st semester Calculus at Navy. Without Rich’s kind assistance I would never have passed the course. His kindness with his time helped change my life forever for the better. Meds, I’ll see you on the other side. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Fair winds and Following Seas. I’ll see you on the other side. My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family, friends, and loved ones. For one last time in my life I will scream at the top of my lungs the cry of the Navy Frogman in his honor, HOOYAH MR. MEDLEY!!!
Bob Bigrigg
October 22, 2020
From being together in every class from kindergarten at Washington Elementary through Coshocton High School, Richard Medley was the smartest person I have ever been around. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace and God bless, Richard-- a Life Well Lived.
Marilyn Richards
October 22, 2020
My deepest condolences to Rich's family. I worked with Rich here in Newport and was saddened to hear of his passing. It was always a treat to have Rich pass by your office - he always had a bit of movie trivia to share as well as, of course, candy. He will be missed.
John Donahue
October 22, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Rich's passing and offer sincerest condolences to his family. I was Rich's "neighbor" for many years at work and have nothing but fond memories, especially his great sense of humor. Smart as a whip, his expertise was incredible and will be sorely missed by his Navy Family for years to come.
David Cann
October 19, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. I worked with Rich from 2004 until 2018 in Rhode Island and marveled at his intelligence and work ethic, as well as his sense of humor. My profound condolences to Caroline and the rest of his family.
Joe Heil, CDR USN (ret)
October 19, 2020
Meds was a Class- and 19th Company-mate at the Naval Academy and in my opinion the smartest member of the Class of 1980. He was also a great friend to everyone, always willing to help out those of us who didn't quite get it the first time, which he always did. He also had a tremendous sense of humor, and the stories of his antics with us could fill a book. My heart goes out to Caroline and family in remembrance of a full life well lived and a great man lost too soon.
David Bullock
October 18, 2020
Best Captain I ever had the good fortune of serving under. He was a great leader, and was always making his crew smile.
My condolences for his family and friends.
Teresa Donley (Medley/Roahrig)
October 18, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nate Johnson
October 18, 2020
Mr. Medley was my first skipper on USS Providence. I have always had great respect for him. Fair winds and following seas, Sir. You will be missed.
Viola Cooper
October 17, 2020
Rich was such a kind thoughtful person and he was very generous. He will be greatly missed. I was blessed to have had the honor of knowing him and being a part of the Medley family. My prayers are with Caroline, his family and all those near and dear to him.
Jim
October 17, 2020
When I served with Capt. Medley, I was a brash outspoken young man who had leadership responsibilities thrust on him. He took me under his wing and guided me to be a better leader as well as a man. The principles and lessons he taught me then are still in practice today. Fair wind and following seas, to a brother and friend.
Robin Babb
October 17, 2020
I worked for and with Rich at NWDC Newport 2003-2004. He was a great Naval officer. I’m sorry he left this life so soon.
Beth and Duane Martin
October 17, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
John & Linda Tammen
October 17, 2020
Our prayers go out to Caroline and family. I learned so much from Rich as his XO. One of the smartest and most thoughtful leaders I’ve work with. He will be missed.
Mike Poirier
October 16, 2020
Meds, as he was affectionately known, is well remembered by the 44 original members of USNA Class of 1983, 19th Company. He trained us. It is with great sorrow we learn of his passing. Many of had contact with Rich through his Navy career and afterwards and remember fondly some of his great practical jokes. We really admired and loved him. Our condolences and sympathy to Caroline, his daughters and family. Mike
Valarie Byers hess
October 16, 2020
What a successful full life he lived . May the lord comfort his family and bring them peace . Rest well . God bless
Rob Mangiafico
October 16, 2020
Our prayers are with your family at this time. Rich was my first Commanding Officer, and shaped who I was on the boat. He always had a joke or story to tell, loved playing video games with us, and was a great leader and mentor. He will be missed.
John Braasch
October 16, 2020
I remember him well when I was the COB on the Minneapolis St. Paul. He was well thought of by the crew and will be missed. There are very few like him in this world.
Kelly Muir
October 15, 2020
Please lean on all of us, Caroline. Sending love and strength to your family.
Jennifer Luebbert
October 15, 2020
Condolences to you, Caroline, and your entire family. You are all in my thoughts and I wish you peace in your time of suffering.
Gayle Dickerson
October 15, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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