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Ira Armstrong Obituary
Armie was a graduate of Norfolk Academy, where he was an outstanding athlete and class president. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and earned an M.B.A. from Old Dominion University, where he later served on the Educational Foundation board. He also attended the University of Alabama and Florida A & M University. He was a CPA at Price Waterhouse and several local accounting firms and served on the ethics committee of the Virginia Society of CPAs. He had a second career in industrial construction, becoming co-owner of Chesapeake Bay Steel Inc. in 2000. He was active in the Associated General Contractors of VA. After his retirement, Armie spent much of his time advocating for medical treatment and compensation of less-fortunate military dependent survivors of ground water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Armie will be greatly missed by his wife of 41 years, Karen; son, John Armstrong; brothers Bob Armstrong (Kelly) and Billy Armstrong (Kathy); brother-in-law Gary Miller (Nancy); cousins Sara Garden Armstrong, Peggy Fowler, Mary Florence Woodard, and Jack Farris; his beloved nieces and nephews; and many extended family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his quiet generosity, fierce loyalty, and sense of humor. He loved travel, sailing with his Capricho Boat Club buddies, and hosting gatherings. He never met a stray animal he did not want to adopt. He sponsored an annual English-language theatre competition for Polish high school students organized by friends in Krakow and ensured a prize was awarded to the hardest-working underdog. Armie was happiest when creating opportunities for others.
We are grateful to Cancer Specialists of Tidewater, particularly Drs. Clark and Franzman, Loretta, and Mildred, for their years of exceptional care.
A celebration of Armie's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia, [email protected]. Red Cross blood donations in his memory are encouraged, redcrossblood.org. Condolences may be offered to the family at:
www.hollomon-brown.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ira Armstrong
Sponsored by the family.
Janet Headrick
July 1, 2022
Dear Karen, I just saw a tv commercial referencing Camp LeJuene victims and of course Ira came to mind. If you recall I helped Ira on full page ads he placed regarding his experience, and, because I refused payment, you both treated me to dinner at Steinhilbers.
I literally just pulled up Ira´s email to write him and something told me to search first. My heart sank when I saw the news. I wish to God I´d known of his passing as I most certainly would have paid my respects.
Regardless, I hope this finds you well. Ira will forever have a space in my mind not because of our affiliation with AGC, but because of how fiercely he fought for victim rights.
With Love,
Janet Headrick
Regina Sergiyenko
October 14, 2020
He will be missed . His smile, his love to cats, his ability to connect people . He was a great person and will be forever in our memory.
Lee Smith
October 13, 2020
I did not know Armie, but I did know his father, mother, his siblings and his uncles. One uncle was my father, Sam Smith. It seems that Armie was an exceptional man and loved by all. My prayers are with his family.
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Timothy Patterson
October 12, 2020
All,
Armie was my best friend and he fought the "good fight" for as long as he could. I will miss our friendship, our breakfast's at the "Bell" on Saturdays where we would discuss everything from politics to construction to our next "family" event. Armie was a veracious reader, so I knew I could always rely on him for the cliff notes (lol).
I think we honor his memory best by continuing to do the things he liked to do - spend time together and support one another. I miss you my friend.
Tomek Napiorkowski
October 12, 2020
Dear Karen, Dear John,
At such times it is hard to find the right words but I will try.
In my life I have met not too many people that I could look up to, but I met Ira and he was someone that in my opinion set the high example for me to follow in many ways.
Great business mind, kind and caring person and to me - a very close friend.
I cannot imagine what you and John are going through because I and Ela are taking it really hard.
Starting next Festival of English Theater in Krakow, I am establishing a special award in the name of Ira Armstrong to honor Ira as a great supporter of this event. This award will be given to the "Underdog" because I know that is what Ira would do - help somebody that has not so much of a talent and skills but tries so hard instead.
In normal times, we would be on the plane right now to honor Ira and Your Family, but because of Covid all we can do right now is send the flowers and offer our prayers.
We love You and please know that we are thinking about you Karen and John in this difficult time.
Ira will be always in our hearts until we meet on the other side and have more of "Poland Now" vodka shots.
Tomek, Ela. Peter and Maggie - forever your friends
Rob Evans
October 12, 2020
Sorry to hear the sad news
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family
Bruce A Kahan
October 11, 2020
So sorry to hear about Armie. My memories of Armie were that he was always such a nice guy, good disposition, good athlete, and a friend who when I joined the academy in 8th grade didn't know anyone. I'm sorry for your loss. Bruce Kahan
Susan Roper
October 11, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Karen and John. Gone too soon....
Peter Wales
October 11, 2020
Heart of a champion. ..
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