Richard Funk

1929 - 2025

Richard Funk

February 20, 1929 - December 18, 2025

Richard J. Funk gently passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, reuniting with his beloved wife of 49 years, Barbara Mayr Funk.

Richard was 96 years strong and a cherished father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born in Grand Chain, Illinois, at Dam 53 on the Ohio River on February 20, 1929. His family, including older sister, Nan Franzman Boldt, and younger siblings Virgil C. Funk, Jr, and Mary Louise Pieranunzi, moved to Fairlington, Virginia, in the early 1940s. It was here that he met Barbara for the first time.

Richard earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout at age 16 and, after graduating from Washington and Lee High School, attended VPI in Blacksburg, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and was a mischievous member of the Corps of Cadets. Following graduation in 1950, his commission with the US Army took him to the jungles of Central and South America, where he served with the American Geodetic Survey for two years.

Upon returning to Virginia, he was drafted into the service and stationed at Fort Belvoir as an engineering instructor. He fortuitously reconnected with Barbara before being transferred overseas to Korea in 1954, where he was assigned to run major construction projects throughout Seoul.

Richard and Barbara were married on December 26, 1955, and arrived in the Charlottesville area in 1959. Here they raised a loving family of five children, all of whom are proud Hokie Alumni: Nancy Irish (John), Rick (Deb), Cathy Hudson (Rick), Susan Funk, and Bonnie Funk (Darren Berline). Through these children, they have been blessed with eight well-accomplished grandchildren, two beautiful great-grandchildren, and more than a couple of black dogs.

Founding his own construction company in 1966, Richard worked passionately until the day before his spontaneous retirement when he realized he was finally "going to work." Over a career spanning more than three decades, he focused primarily on single-family custom home construction and additions, served on the board of the local technical education center, and avoided most home repair requests from Barbara.

As one of the founding families of the Catholic Community, Church of the Incarnation, Richard and Barbara's faith was integral to their lives. They were full participants in the community's activities over the years, and Richard served as a lector for Holy Comforter Church.

Tennis, golf, and snow skiing were his favorite athletic pursuits, and Richard enjoyed the spirit of all competition, which has been passed down, almost without exclusion, to his children and grandchildren. (It is yet to be determined with his great-grandchildren, but the odds are high!) He played tennis his own way and lettered while at VPI: serving right-handed and playing ground strokes with his left. Unconfirmed sources report that he won nearly 100% of his first-service games against befuddled opponents! After being introduced to golf as a young man in Brazil, Richard played more than competently for the next seven decades, proudly shooting his age right up until he retired his clubs. His own love of the game was so contagious that many immediate and extended family members have been inspired to adopt the game. He was always enthusiastic about sharing a round with anyone, regardless of their handicap! His brother, Virgil, introduced him to snow skiing in the 1970s, and Richard enjoyed spending time with his family on the slopes of the Blue Ridge, Northern Green, and Rocky Mountains.

Sharing and celebrating the numerous Hokie victories and suffering the occasional losses with all of his children and grandchildren was one of Richard's most treasured pastimes. Whether it was returning to Blacksburg or travelling to Jacksonville, Atlanta, Orlando, or his favorite city of all, New Orleans, he always enjoyed "lettin' the good times roll" with all of his Hokie Family, regardless of the final score.

Richard was affectionately known by several different monikers based on the company at hand: to his friends, he was "The Builder," and to his extended family, "UDJ" - an abbreviation for Uncle Dickie Joe. In 1967, Richard's parents started a family tradition of vacationing on the Outer Banks that is now treasured across five generations. 2025 marked the 39th playing of the UDJ Invitational Golf Tournament and welcomed eleven foursomes to compete in the much-appreciated Captain's Choice format! And if you were lucky, you could also call him "Chez Richard." Every year at the beach, he loved preparing his own favorite meal of the day, his infamous "UDJ Breakfast," for his brother and sisters, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren. It happened just a few times each year; the seating capacity was very limited and enjoyed by coveted invitation only. Sharing breakfast with UDJ was the best way to start the day at the beach!

To know Richard and understand the man he was, one needs only be familiar with the moral codes that profoundly informed his character. From the oath he pledged as an Eagle Scout to the motto of VPI, Ut Prosim: That I May Serve. He was revered for his steady, authentic commitment to Honor, Loyalty, Courage, Cheerfulness, and Service. These qualities are why one felt privileged to have known him and to have been in his company. These qualities are why he was loved so deeply. These qualities are why Richard Joseph Funk lived so easily and why it will be so hard for those of us left behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing a good turn daily. Memorial donations can be made to CATECH of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Richard's family would like to sincerely thank Ms. Dela and the entire Linden House Staff. They are especially grateful to those who prepared his daily breakfast with such great love and for all the extra bacon.

There will be a viewing at 9 a.m. on Monday, December 29th, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Incarnation. A procession to Holly Memorial Gardens for internment will immediately follow.

Hill and Wood Funeral Service

201 1st Street N., Charlottesville, VA 22902