Robert A. Richbourg, age 81 passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2019 in his home in Woodbridge, Virginia with his beloved wife Patricia of 60 years and immediate family around him. He was born on November 1, 1937 in Tacoma Park, MD to Henry A. and Grace (Vancourt Jones) Richbourg. He was a 1955 graduate of Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia. He married Patricia A. Giordano on November 15, 1958 in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Washington, DC.
As husband and wife, they raised three children in Falls Church, Virginia where they resided for 57 years. They were members of St. James Catholic Parish. In June 2016, they relocated to Woodbridge, Virginia to be closer to family and made many new friends in their retirement community. Bob enjoyed and delighted in the daily wildlife from his backdoor. He watched many deer, a hunter’s paradise.
Bob survived colon cancer twice before, living as fully as he could with a lot of loving arms, and devoted caregivers around him.
He is survived by Patricia A. Richbourg; children Susan (Rickie) Frick, William (Laura) Richbourg, and Kathryn (David) Patrick; grandchildren Lauren Frick, Adam (Melissa) Frick, Zachary (Jennifer) Richbourg, Amy Richbourg, Carrie Richbourg, great-grandchild Callum Richbourg; brother Donald (Lynne) Richbourg; nephews Steven, Jim, Thomas, Matthew Richbourg; and countless friends, near and far.
Robert (Bob) served in U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne. He was a paratrooper. Upon completion of military service, he became employed by A.F. Jorss Iron Works and in 1965 he was honored by the Craftsmanship Award Committee of the Washington Building Congress for outstanding workmanship performed on the circular stainless steel stairway in the new Capitol Car Distributor’s building. This would be the beginning of countless awards, certificates of appreciation, and recognition of a skill and devotion to the Brotherhood of Ironworkers over many decades. He continued to follow in the footsteps of his then deceased father (former President of Local No. 5). He was member in good standing for over 60 years in Local Union No. 5 of the International Association of Bridge, Ornamental, and Structural Iron Workers. Over the span of his career he held several positions at Local Union No. 5 as Recording Secretary, Business Manager, Financial Secretary-Treasurer, OSHA Representative, Joint Apprenticeship & Training Coordinator, Union Trustee – Joint Board of Trustees.
He spearheaded many high-profile interest projects on behalf of the Local and the International Association to include the Great American Flag project organized on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. It was an honor that he was proud to be a part of then and again when United States POW’s were released and arrived at Andrew’s Air Force Base in Camp Springs, MD under the Carter/Reagan administrations. He was passionate in all of his lifetime endeavors.
He was an outdoor sportsman enjoying a lifetime of boating, fishing, hunting, biking, camping, gardening, woodworking, designing ornamental iron, and putting his famous RAR stamp and brand on all things of his and his creations. And only Sears and Roebucks owned more tools than Bob.
Bob’s hobbies were many. He was an avid gun collector and skilled marksman. He was a life member of the NRA and an Honorary Life Member of Fairfax Rod and Gun Club in Manassas, Virginia where he participated for over 45 years. He loved belt buckles and hats of every variety.
Dad and Grandad were the hats he wore best. He was a proud family man, and a father to many. He loved adventures of all kinds and traveled extensively. He shared many adventures traveling with his grandchildren on road trips together. But most endearing, he loved his bride dearly and his children were the light of his life. We will miss him every day, but feel so blessed that he gave up the good fight. He was a soldier throughout his battles, and lived life to the fullest. He is free at last in eternal peace. For that we are grateful.
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