Richard John Re

Richard John Re, 87, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was born in Boston, MA, to Attilio and Louisa Re, and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in aeronautical engineering, later completing his Master’s studies at VPI & SU (now Virginia Tech).  

He has resided in Hampton since 1958 when he began work at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), soon to become NASA. During his 46 years at NASA-Langley, he was part of the evolution of aviation--from low-speed aircraft to flight on Mars, including the F-111, F14, F-15, B-1 and Skybolt.  During the moon race, he contributed to the Apollo Command Module aerodynamic data base during the launch escape maneuver.  

He contributed to thrust-vectoring 2-D nozzle technology that is currently flying on today’s most advanced military aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor.  He enjoyed mentoring the next-generation of wind-tunnel-test engineers.  An avid reader of aviation history since childhood, Richard was a walking encyclopedia, and was happy to expand on any detail relating to military and commercial aircraft.  He particularly loved vintage WW II aircraft and created his own models.  You would have seen him with his camera at any and all local air shows and static displays of aircraft, his children in-tow.    

Richard was devoted to his family.  Always a good listener, peaceful, kind, patient, and unassuming, he rooted for the underdog.  He had a stealthy sense of humor and a quick wit, was a punster, and was instantly loved by all who met him.  His greatest passion was being with his family and discussing their shared-interest in gardening, sports, politics, their careers, their philosophy on life, and most of all--by his unspoken example—how to live their shared-faith in God as a family.

He fondly recounted the family’s history and his memories of an idyllic childhood in Somerville, MA, as his children and grandsons also recalled their visits there over the past half-century.  And his greatest and enduring passion was learning what his children and grandsons were doing, while he anticipated his next family “Re-union” with them .

Richard was a parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea (Fort Monroe) and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Buckroe since 1958.

Richard is pre-deceased by his parents Attilio and Louisa Re, and most-recently, his sister Louise Ann Re.  He is survived by his loving family—his wife, Joanne M. Re, his children, Anna M. Re, Joseph R. Re and Michael R. Re (Rosemary); and grandsons, Dylan Masters, Jaired Re, Thomas Re (Jana) and Daniel Re; and numerous cousins, including Priscilla Re, Cynthia Tyndall, Patricia Damian, Lorraine Fortunato and Joanne Dunn. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 2:00 PM Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 Buckroe Ave, in Hampton, by Rev. Dillon Bruce.  Family will receive friends afterwards at St. Joseph’s Cordier Hall.  

Ennichment will be private at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church columbarium.

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.