John R. "Rick" Sample

SAMPLE, John "Rick" R., 71, of Richmond, Virginia, died peacefully at home, Monday, September 4, 2023. Rick's intellect and interests were wide-ranging. Cheerful, outgoing, and always engaging, Rick made friends wherever his travels and zest for adventure led him. Rick is lovingly remembered by his wife Celia Rafalko for his kindness, steadfast support, and the joy of shared enthusiasms over their 31-year journey together.

Rick was deeply involved with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, serving on the Board as Treasurer for many years and enthusiastically sang as a tenor in the Richmond Symphony Chorus for decades. An Eagle Scout, Rick acted to make life better for others and served on the Board of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics for six years and the Board of GoochlandCares, including as President, for nine years.

Grateful for his education and the life-long friends he acquired at Dartmouth College, Rick sustained his connection to his alma mater, serving as Class Officer for his Graduating Class for years and contributed his talents to many initiatives. Always intent on connecting, Rick spoke five languages, two fluently, and had a global network of friends from postings to Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Russia as well as extensive travels elsewhere. Always committed to Celia, Rick was an enthusiastic participant and stalwart supporter of all her interests.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Thunderbird School of Global Management, Rick was an accomplished international senior finance executive for multinational companies including Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Genworth, ThermoFisher Scientific, and the Defense Enterprise Fund. His last assignment was CFO of LeafSpring Schools, spearheading its expansion into China.

Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Rick is predeceased by his parents, John M. and Clellene M. (Carpenter) Sample, and in addition to Celia, is survived by his brother Steve Sample of Eugene, OR; sister Charlene Major, of Cotati, CA, and his two nieces and nephew.

A "Celebration of Life" in honor of Rick will take place on September 26, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rhythm Hall, Dominion Energy Center, 600 Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests charitable contributions to be made to either the Richmond Symphony Orchestra or GoochlandCares.