Richard F. Vachris

Richard F. Vachris, 75, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Rich was born on January 21, 1950, at Mercy Hospital, in Rockville Centre, New York.
He graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, and received his Bachelor of Sciences, in Psychology and Combined Sciences from Texas Christian University. Rich continued his education while serving our community as a Houston Police Officer, earning his law degree, from South Texas College of Law.
While continuing his career at HPD, he completed a Masters' degree in Criminal Justice and Police Management from Sam Houston University. After 13 years, he resigned as a Lieutenant from HPD to pursue a career in corporate law. His career path led him to a position as an Assistant Harris County Attorney.
He is survived by his wife, Chris C. Vachris; daughter, Angeline V. Kell and husband, Trey Kell; son, Timothy P. Vachris and wife, Amy Vachris; grandchildren, George, Alexandra, Grayson, Coleson, Hudson and Emerson.
He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Vachris, John Vachris, and wife, Cathy Vachris, and his sisters, Jeanne Phillips and Mary Bruce, and husband, Kim Bruce, sisters-in-law, Susan Vachris, and Gaye Vachris and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition, he is survived by brothers-in-law, Patrick J. Colpoys III and wife Joanne; J. Michael Colpoys and wife, Pam; Kevin A. Colpoys and wife Becky; sisters-in-law, Cathy M. Martin, and husband, Andy; and Colleen E. Bradshaw and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Francis Vachris; mother, Helen Marie Schmidt Vachris; and brothers, Charles Vachris, Anthony Vachris, Paul Vachris; brother-in-law, Howard Phillips; sister-in-law, Sheila Vachris; mother-in-law, Anne A. Colpoys; father-in-law, Patrick J. Colpoys; niece, Michelle M. Neun; and nephew, Patrick J. Colpoys, IV.
A rosary will be recited, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 9:45 a.m., followed by the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of the usual remembrances, contributions may be made to The Sunshine Kids Foundation, 2814 Virginia Street, Houston, TX 77098 (www.sunshinekids.org) or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
The family would like to thank all those who provided excellent medical care, especially Dr. Robert Fayle and Dr. Nicole Jamison.