Dr. Richard Coleman Rhame

1929 - 2025

Dr. Richard Coleman Rhame

June 16, 1929 - September 3, 2025

Dr. Richard Coleman Rhame, retired surgeon, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at his home in Hartfield, Virginia. Richard was born on June 16, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, to Ethel Clara Dunagan Rhame and Harold Ellis Rhame. Richard was a beloved father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Graham Rhame; his brother, Harold Ellis Rhame, Jr.; and his former wife, Ann Winslow Combo. Richard is survived by his children, Helen "Lynn" Rhame Spitzer (Chip), Alexander Winslow Rhame (Debbie), Laura Rhame Tranquill (Chris), and Scott McKinlay Coleman Rhame (Sarah); seven grandchildren, Carter Ann DeCook, Jenifer Eleanor Rhame, Charlotte "Charlie" Winslow Spitzer, Nicholas Rhame Tranquill, Alexander McKinlay Tranquill, Katherine Anderson Tranquill, and Andrew Coleman "Cole" Rhame; his former wife, Karen Rhame Rosenfeld; two nieces and one nephew.

Richard was known for his dedication and contributions to the field of urology. He earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his medical degree from The George Washington University Medical School. He completed his internship at Johns Hopkins University and served as a Medical Officer in the U.S. Navy before completing residencies in General and Urological Surgery at Yale Medical Center. Richard was chief resident in Urology and an instructor in surgery at Yale Medical School. He was an assistant clinical professor of Urology and served as Chief of Urology in The George Washington University Section of the DC General Hospital and as Chief of Urology at Alexandria Hospital. He performed pioneering surgeries, and researched and wrote extensively on urological issues. He touched the lives of many and left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the medical field and his dedication to his patients.

Richard loved the water and needed to live where he could see it from the windows in his homes. His travels and vacations centered on being at or in the water, and he spent many special hours with friends and family on his sailboats. He was a competitive sailor, placing in many prestigious sailing races. He belonged to the New York Yacht Club and Annapolis Yacht Club and was a fixture in the Annapolis sailing community. May he have fair winds and following seas forever.

The family would like to thank Brandy Serrano and dear friend, Moncure Duncan. A private graveside service was held at Hollywood Cemetery.