Richard Donald Kaeppel

Richard Donald Kaeppel December 21, 1935 – September 9, 2025

Richard Donald Kaeppel, 89, of Centreville, Virginia passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on September 9, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia following a brief illness.

Born on December 21, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, Richard was the youngest of three sons born to Charles and Lillian Kaeppel. He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Charles and Robert, and his youngest daughter, Tracy Romine.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Ingebjørg; daughters Kristi (Joe Ahr) and Cindy (Tracy Smith II); son-in-law Richard Romine; grandchildren Richie and Shelby Romine and Max Ahr; great-grandson Hudson Romine; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Richard proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a true patriot who loved his Country. Following his service, Richard was employed by Burns and Roe Engineering Firm in Hicksville, New York, where he excelled in technical design drafting. Aspiring to broaden his skills, Richard began a successful career in the construction industry working as a Superintendent for the George Hyman Construction Company and Clark Construction Group, where he was responsible for constructing and overseeing landmark projects in the Washington Metropolitan Area, including the Smithsonian Museum, the Senate Office Building, Nationals Park and the Willard Hotel.

Richard was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor and was deeply respected and loved by all who knew him.

Even in illness, Richard remained active and fought with a warrior's spirit, which is a testament to the strength and resilience he showed throughout his life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home (9902 Braddock Rd., Fairfax VA 22032).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization dear to Richard's heart. https://www.stjude.org/give/giving-guide/how-to-ask-for-donations.html