Richard Martin Vanderhoeven

Vanderhoeven
Richard Martin Vanderhoeven
Richard Martin Vanderhoeven passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Richard was born in Montreal Canada to Dutch immigrants, Gerrit and Hendrika Vanderhoeven. The oldest of three children, Richard and his family immigrated to the United States when he was four years old. Becoming a naturalized US citizen, Richard and his family lived in Northern Virginia where he resided for most of his life. He attended Lake Braddock High School class of '77 and went on to attend the University of Virgina through the Navy ROTC program. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in Engineering and was accepted into the submarine force under Admiral Rickover in 1982.
Richard married Pamela Kicak in 1983. They remained happily married until his death. They had two children, Andrew Vanderhoeven and Erica (n'ee Kicak-Vanderhoeven) O'Connor.
Richard worked for the Navy his entire career, on active duty and then as a reservist, retiring as a Captain. He was later a civilian employee for the Navy, working for both NAVAIR and NAVSEA. In his most recent years, he worked at the Navy Yard with the Columbia program, where he was very proud to be working on the building of the new submarine.
Richard was an avid runner, cyclist and swimmer. He took great satisfaction in his athletic pursuits, especially running. Richard also found joy and peace in working in his yard. Pamela took him on many adventures, which included traveling and attending Washington Nationals games. He was an active member of his community, both in his neighborhood and church.
Richard's greatest joy was in his family. He was extremely proud of both of his children and was delighted that they were happily married to wonderful people and had given him three amazing grandchildren. He was an extremely proud father and Opa and a loving husband. He and Pamela had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to St Thomas. He enjoyed close relationships with both of his children and their spouses. He cherished his time with his grandchildren, building LEGOs with Sean, playing railroad with Mason and watching Alice meet every new milestone.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Kicak; son Andrew (Marci) Vanderhoeven and daughter Erica (Christopher) O'Connor; and three grandchildren, Sean Vanderhoeven, age 7, Mason Vanderhoeven, 4, and Alice O'Connor, 10 months. He is also survived by his two siblings, Helen (Daniel) Franssell and Edward (Marianne Marsolais) Vanderhoeven as well as six nephews and one niece.
Visitation at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024. https://www.everlywheatley.com/tributes/Richard-Vanderhoeven