Richard L. Grasmick

1949 - 2015

Richard L. Grasmick

Suffolk - " I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word" (Psalm 119:25). Our friend, Richard Lee Grasmick left this world to be with the Lord on February 4th, 2015. He was born on September 1st, 1949 in O'Neill Nebraska to the late Samuel and Alta C. Grasmick.

Upon completion of his primary education, Rich attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln graduating from the School of Pharmacy. Rich began his pharmacy career at DePaul Hospital where he worked from 1973-1989 as a staff pharmacist. During his work at DePaul, Rich worked as a consultant for the Chronic Pain Management team. He assisted other medical disciplines to help patients with non-malignant pain to manage their condition. He also served as Treasurer for the Tidewater Apothecary Group which provided pharmacy services to adult and adolescent psychiatric patients, a skilled nursing facility and a hemodialysis unit. He continued his life work as a pharmacy manager for Care Plus in the home infusion arena. After several years in home health (1989-1997), he returned to hospital pharmacy as Pharmacy Manager for Sentara Hampton General Hospital. His success at Hampton General led him to management positions at Sentara Norfolk General, Sentara Leigh and Sentara Virginia Beach General hospitals.

Rich was also a member of the Bennetts Creek Sertoma Club and the Virginia Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Rich was a very methodical, caring, compassionate, bright and creative manager. He was always personable and approachable with a gift for problem solving. Rich had a sharp wit and infectious sense of humor. He liked being around people and enjoyed a good "barbeque" or party. He was an avid dedicated Nebraska Cornhusker football fan. Even while watching it on TV, he felt like he was actually at the game!

He had a knack for joke telling, but often had to start over again when he stalled on the punch line. That in itself was often funnier than the joke. He loved to be outdoors in his summer vegetable garden or mowing his lawn. He would then sit back and admire his completed work.

Rich was a loyal, devoted husband, father, sibling, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. His passing will leave a deep void in many lives and he will be greatly missed.

Rich is survived by his best friend and wife of 30 years Clee, his daughter Julie Swiercek and her husband Jason, three grandchildren, Dylan, Charlie and Samantha, his two brothers, David Grasmick (Mary) of Claremont CA., Brian Grasmick of Lincoln NE. and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at the historic Obici House at Sleepy Hole Golf Course, 4700 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk, Virginia 23435 on Friday, February 20th from 4PM-8PM.

www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com