Richard Alan Paradiso

1934 - 2022

Richard A. Paradiso "Dick" passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Dick was born on July 3, 1934 in Somerville, MA to Angela and Anthony Paradiso, two hard-working Italian immigrants, proud to be American Citizens. Dick was the youngest of three boys and was doted on by his lovely Mom, who introduced him to the opera, good food and movies. He lost his eldest brother Joseph when his B-25 crashed in New Guinea in 1942 and his brother Ed, who died of leukemia in 1999. Dick graduated from Somerville High School in 1952 and then from Northeastern University in Boston in 1956 with a BS in Biology. He was commissioned into the Army Security Agency and he and Gayle spent the next twenty years globetrotting the world, serving in the Philippines, Germany, Viet Nam and at numerous locations across the United States. While at Northeastern he met and married the love of his life, Wilda Gayle Morgan with whom he has cherished over 66 years of marriage. While in the Army, Dick earned an MBA from the University of Arizona and valuable experience as a comptroller. This enabled him to begin a second career following his retirement from the Army at Ft Story, VA teaching all manner of business courses at Thomas Nelson Community College. He reluctantly retired from teaching after thirty-seven years as a Professor Emeritus only at the urging of his family.

Not one to define himself by what he did for a living, Dick was truly an adventurer, one who loved to, and believed it was necessary to, immerse himself fully into his more adventurous pursuits. Upon his discovering a new interest, he would pour himself completely into research and study, then he'd spare no expense equipping himself with only the best gear and equipment, then he'd fully master the activity and practice it repeatedly and often. Though sometimes, for reasons known only to him, he might simply stop doing that activity for good. Some of his interests lasted only a few years, others his lifetime. His many hobbies include wine making, bass and fly fishing, handball, playing squash, hang gliding, river rafting, scuba diving (to include becoming a certified cave diver, the most dangerous diving sport), pistol shooting, bicycling, stamp making, playing chess, cigar smoking, wood working, clock making and wood carving, ham radio and finally, kayaking. He was so skilled in so many areas; Gayle called him an "American Renaissance Man".

Dick loved people, especially women. He always said that God's greatest gift to man was women. He had many dear and deep friendships; that number included several women. Though for all the women in his life, his greatest love and friendship was for his "Gaylsie." He was a true man of principle and integrity who believed that a man's word was his bond. He would not compromise on his integrity, even if those around him did. He loved his students and the community college system staying in touch with many that sought guidance long after the "class" was over. He was proud of the fact that he had touched their lives. He was a larger than life personality who filled a room with joy. You didn't just know Dick, you experienced him. He was generous, kind and devoted to helping those in need. He served several years as President of the Board at Vetshouse, Inc., a Virginia Beach non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans in distress.

Dick was preceded in death by his grandson, Richard, III. He is survived by his loving wife Gayle Paradiso, his devoted sons, Rick and John Paradiso, their wives Carol and Erika, his grandson David Paradiso, his wife Summer and his new great granddaughter, Autumn. A viewing starting at 11:00 AM followed by a funeral Mass at 1:00 PM will be held on Friday, July 1st, 2022 at Church of the Holy Family Catholic Church, 1279 N Great Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. In Dick's memory donations may be given in his name to Vetshouse Incorporated at

P.O. Box 62963 Virginia Beach, VA 23466, or any charity that seeks to assist our veterans in need. Condolences may be offered to the family at:

www.hollomon-brown.com