Richard "Dick" Dunleavy

Dick Dunleavy passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on November 16, 2025 after 92 years of enjoying life to its fullest. A graduate of Boston College, Dick joined the U.S. Navy in 1955, married Sibyl Evelyn Blair of Coral Gables, Florida, and fathered four magnificent sons: Mike, Mark, Matt, and David. He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 37 years throughout the world on multiple Aircraft Carriers in numerous Heavy Attack and Medium Attack squadrons. He considered his tour as Commanding Office of the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) the highlight of his career. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Sibyl and Dick enjoyed living in Sandbridge, Virginia, and visiting their sons' families throughout our great country.
Dick is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sibyl, in 2018, and his son Mark Blair Dunleavy, in 2025. He leaves behind his loving children: Richard Michael Dunleavy II of Clearwater, Florida; Greg Dunleavy, spouse of Mark Dunleavy, of Andover, Massachusetts; Matt Dunleavy and spouse, Sarah Dunleavy, of Blacksburg, Virginia; and David Dunleavy and spouse, Dave Schacht, of Bonnieux, France. He was the proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Jordan Dunleavy, Richard Michael Dunleavy III, Sophia Dunleavy, Christopher Dunleavy, Cass Dunleavy and Eden Dunleavy. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 25th at 11:00 a.m. ET at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456. Full Military Honors will take place immediately after the Mass, followed by inurnment in the columbarium and then a reception in the Church Commons. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tailhook Educational Foundation or to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church are welcome.