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RICHARD STOLZ Obituary


STOLZ RICHARD F. STOLZ, JR. Of Williamsburg, Virginia, died on June 9 from complications following a fall at his home. Mr. Stolz and his wife of 62 years Betty moved to Williamsburg in 1997 several years after retiring from a distinguished career as an intelligence officer. He joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1950, and served throughout Europe including Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, Yugoslavia, Germany and England. Mr. Stolz retired in 1981, but in 1987 was asked to return to the Agency to lead the CIA's clandestine service as Deputy Director for Operations. He served in that capacity until his second retirement in 1990. He was twice awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Agency's highest honor. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush presented him in the Oval Office with the National Security Medal for distinguished achievement in the field of intelligence. Mr. Stolz was born in 1925 in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Summit, New Jersey in 1929. He graduated from Summit High School in 1943. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Amherst College and served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 as an infantryman with the 398th Regiment of the100th Division in eastern France and the Rhineland. In addition to his wife, Mr. Stolz is survived by a daughter, Sarah Sullivan and her husband Shaun D. Sullivan, of Alexandria, Virginia, their sons, Kyle and Spencer Sullivan; a son Richard F. Stolz III and his wife Sally of Rockville, Maryland, their sons Peter and Robert W. Stolz; a son Robert J. Stolz and his wife Gisele of McLean, Virginia, their children Alexander, Eva and Louise Stolz, and a brother-in-law, Dan P. Thornton of Berkeley, Calif., his wife, Betsey, and their children, Peter and Nancy. A memorial service is being planned to be held in Washington D.C. in late summer.A memorial service is being planned to be held in Washington D.C. in late summer.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD STOLZ

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June 29, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 46:1 says: God is for us a refuge and strength during this difficult time and may God grant you the comfort to endure.

George Felder

June 22, 2012

Thank you for your service to our Nation

Mary Doe

June 19, 2012

I was very saddened to read about Dick Stolz's passing. My late husband and I were fortunate enough to have worked with Dick at the agency in the 60s. At one time, he was my boss, and a fine one he was. As one of the obits said, he was one of the good guys. He truly was. He really cared about the people he worked with. For reasons that I am sure you will understand, I have not signed with my real name, as my husband and I worked under deep cover throughout our agency career. The secrecy only matters now because I am writing a book about that chapter in our lives.

Stanley Hash

June 19, 2012

Eileen and I will sorely miss Dick. While his professional life was both impressive and impecable, he was a man of highest integrity and a gentleman of the first order. He was always ready to share his experiences with students and make presentations that lent a greater understanding of our world. He will be missed by many.

Elizabeth & Carmine Prioli

June 18, 2012

Richard and Sally, So sad to hear of your Dad's passing. We are thinking of you and wishing you peace and wonderful memories. Although we never knew your father Richard, reading about him and learning about his service to this country, we say "thank you" to him and your Mom. You may be sad but you should be very proud too.

Ronald Fino

June 15, 2012

My sincerest condolances to Richard's family. One Great Guy "my hero" who will be surely missed.

Kathryn Tyler

June 15, 2012

Mr Stolz was my husband's cousin and loved by all the family. We will miss him.

June 15, 2012

Richard Stolz was a dignified person, a real Honorable Man not only for his countrymen.

He had a lot of friends in many countries around the world.

He was on close, friendly relations with two Bulgarian Presidents, Prime Ministers, foreign ministers and countless number of colleagues and ordinary Bulgarians. He was a real friend of Bulgaria and we mourn his death and bow down our heads in his memory.

He passed away to take his place in the eternal Guard of the World's Security!

? ?????, dear friend!

Gen. Todor Boyadjiev
Sofia, Bulgaria

Mark Garrison

June 14, 2012

Dick and Betty were young parents with my Betty and me in Sofia more than fifty years ago. Dick's example from those early years stayed with me throughout my Foreign Service career as the epitome of integrity and excellence in a CIA officer, and his subsequent service to our country makes me proud to have known him. My heart goes out to Betty and their children.

Richard & Susan Berkey

June 14, 2012

We remember and still cherish our days inLondon days. Dick was a very special individual-we were honored to have known and served with him.

June 13, 2012

The Stoltzs are my mother's next door neighbors. She has always appreciated their kindness in welcoming her to the area. Dick was a true gentleman whom we will miss. DHewitt

Ken and Carol Wiggins

June 13, 2012

We were Dick's next door neighbors in Port Anne, Williamsburg, and were members of the same intel organization. Dick's heralded and unheralded contributions to our nation's Cold War victory should never be forgotten. Moreover, he was a kind and caring man who gave of his time and energy well beyond his service years. We will miss him.

Z D

June 13, 2012

Dick Stolz will be remembered always for his courage, intellect, integrity, compassion and service. What a great man.

Kristen Reed

June 13, 2012

We are deeply sorry for the passing of this amazing man. When daddy died, he was the one we turned to to help remember our father at his service. These men changed our countries fate during the cold war. We honor your husband, dad and grandfather by remembering. The Blaylock Girls

LARRY SHOWALTER

June 12, 2012

I was a very junior Finance Officer in 1973 when I worked in Dick's office. What a gentlemen, and so smart. The remaining years reflected that talent and drive.

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