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BORN
1947
DIED
2017
Richard Eitel Obituary
Virginia Beach - Richard "Rich" W. Eitel, 70, of Virginia Beach passed away Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. Born in Plainfield, N.J., to Otto C. and Elsie D. Eitel, Rich grew up in Scotch Plains, N.J., where he graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School prior to earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Newark College of Engineering. He worked as an engineer in the Public Works Center at Norfolk Naval Station for 35 years prior to his retirement.
Rich lived as a man of quiet wisdom and, most of all, deep commitment to his family. His greatest joys included traveling with his wife, celebrating his daughter's professional and athletic achievements, and spending time usually building Legos with his grandson. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Kristen (Dan) Shuman; grandson, Lucas Shuman; nieces, Andrea Schroeder and Laura Turchick; and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Stancati.
A funeral mass will be held at Church of the Holy Family in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. The family will receive guests at 9:30 a.m. A reception at the church will follow the mass.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you go to dinner with someone you love and offer a toast to Rich.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Nancy Chomicz
September 9, 2017
Our SPFHS '65 Culmen says: Rich steak and potatoes any time hates know it alls who dont know it all very, very special interest lies in watching the N.Y. Yankees lose baseball and football are this boys sports seen working (?) at the Leaders store tall; dark hair future plans include college. (Sadly, I tried submitting the yearbook photo several times and it was not accepted, perhaps because I have Apple technology)
Nancy Chomicz
September 9, 2017
Representing the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Class of '65, we all loved Richard, will miss him deeply and we extend our blessings to his family. What a joy to have seen Richard and Kathie at our 50th Reunion (NJ) in 2015! Since he and I attended Kindergarten together, I saw the same 5 year old face in his 60-ish face with the same genuine sincerity and childlike playfulness!
Mary Cruit
August 26, 2017
So so sad to hear of Rich's passing. What a kind loving man and he will be missed by all. All our prayers and love! Mary and Reed Cruit
Pam and Eddie Abrams
August 24, 2017
Dear Kathy and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was a great guy!
Love, Pam and Eddie Abrams
Dr. Merrill Ashcraft
August 21, 2017
So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was a gentle giant. I have many fond memories of him. I first met Rich the first week I started working for him as a senior chemist. There was a drinking water problem at Fort Story so he sent this newbie out in torrential rains with howling winds to solve the problem. I remember returning from my adventure soaked to the bone and slushing to his office. It was dark in the building and I thought everyone was gone. Everyone but Rich, he was there. I learned a valuable lesson that day. Rich cared about his customers and his employees. We interacted many times over my career and he was always kind and encouraging. You will be missed!
August 21, 2017
Met Rich after he retired from PW thru William (Bill) Maxwell. Bill, Rich, and I would have lunch together quite often and discuss new solutions to engineering problems. He was pleasant and laugh a lot when we would discuss off the wall engineering solutions. Lost track of him after Bill passed away 4 years ago. Bill & I enjoyed getting together with Rich. Nice people like Rich are hard to find.
Lindsey Gardner
Edward Mayhew
August 20, 2017
Sorry for your loss.
Edward Mayhew
August 20, 2017
Sorry for the loss of Mr. Richard Eitel, work with he at PWC, Midlan. Great person to work with. Prayers for your family.
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