Richard "Rich" Jambor

1932 - 2023

Richard "Rich" Jambor

November 17, 1932 - July 20, 2023

Richard Jambor, "Rich," passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 91, in his adopted hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. His later years were marked by a battle with dementia, but his fiery, independent spirit was with him to the end.

Rich was born and raised in Queens, New York. He lived in a small apartment with his mother, father and two older brothers. When his older brothers went off to military service, Rich was drawn to another kind of service, and he entered Marist College seminary in Poughkeepsie, New York and became a Catholic brother. As a Marist brother, Rich travelled the United States as a missionary, and ultimately settled in Kobe, Japan.

Rich met the love of his life, Kinuko, while teaching at the Marist Brothers School in Kumamoto, Japan. His love for Kinuko led him to leave the brotherhood, and they were married in 1972. Rich taught English and history at Marist Brothers school in Kobe, Japan. He was a professor of English at Shoin Women's University in Kobe, and while there he translated two books from Japanese to English, and authored, Asunaro, Living in the Mountains of Japan.

Rich was an avid reader and enjoyed hiking. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Mets and the New York Giants.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Kinuko; his daughter, Noriko; his sons, Takeo and Kenneth; his son-in-law, Satoshi; his daughter-in-law, Kerri; and his grandsons, Kayden and Kai.

Rich's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church with a brief reception following the ceremony in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marist Brothers at www.maristbros.org or Commonwealth Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service – South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.