Richard Charles Joseph Kallal

God, Country, Family. These were the pillars that supported the 79- year life of Cdr. Richard Charles Joseph Kallal.

Fist born of Rosalie V. Giraffa and Leo J. Kallal on July 27, 1946 in St. Louis MO, he died peacefully at Virginia Mason Franciscan Hospice House in University Place WA on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025.

Growing up, Rich loved playing backyard baseball and Cowboys and Indians. A devout Catholic, he attended St. Catherine of Sienna grade school and St. Louis Preparatory Seminary before spending three semesters at St. Louis U.

Rich joined the Navy in 1966 and met his future bride Brenda M. Guidry, a Corpswave, in surgical training in San Diego. He then served a year as a Corpsman in Vietnam supporting the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines "Charlie Med." It was a defining time of his life. After marrying in 1969, they moved to Brenda's home town of Lake Charles LA where he attended McNeese State University, graduating with a BS in 1973. He trained with the Columbia School of Broadcasting and had his own radio show as "Rich King" one summer in Lake Charles. Rich always thought he was half-Cajun!

His McNeese degree led to an active commission as an Ensign, Medical Service Corps, in December, 1973.

During his time at BUMED, WA DC, he obtained his Master's Degree in business Administration, Applied Economics, from George Washington University in 1980.

Through many tours on the west and east coast, Rich always practiced his faith through teaching Sunday School, lectoring, and donating to many Catholic charities.

His final assignment was from 1994-1999 as Director, Technical Training, Naval School of Health Sciences in Bethesda MD. Rich likened it to being the principal over all the instructors of training programs for enlisted sailors that he had attended himself. He always said Navy had the best schools. He told those enlisted folks not to BS him because he had been where they are. It earned him the respect of his junior and senior officers.

Retiring in 2000, he moved back to Bremerton and enjoyed the Northwest with his wife Brenda until her death in 2014.

In 2018, Rich married Rosemary Lois O'Hern Kallal and in 2022, they moved to their cabin in the woods in Hoodsport WA. He enjoyed the quiet, the deer, and outdoor activities like hiking and fly fishing. They were able to go to Sicily in 2023 to visit the birthplace of his Grandpa Charlie.

Rich was proud of his 30-year Naval career but not prideful. He was awarded the Bronze Star Combat V and many other commendations including six campaign stars.

He was predeceased by his parents, first wife Brenda, and grandson Raife J. Kallal. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, his brother Charles Kallal, children Eric D. Kallal(Heathyr), Erin M. Johnson(Barry), Daria Kallal(Susan), grandchildren Cody Carberry, Leo Kallal, Ulrich Brown, Oliver Kallal, Rosalie Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Ian Kallal, and great granddaughter Amelia Kallal.

Services will be at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Shelton at noon December 19, 2025, viewing and rosary preceding. A celebration will follow at St. Germaine Church hall, 600 N. Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport WA. Arrangements are through Rill Chapel in Port Orchard WA. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring.

Donations can be made to Shelton Veteran's Home Tiny Village at New Horizon Communities 3350 Mottman Rd. SW Olympia WA 98512.