Richard James Werkmeister, 76, passed away on Thursday, June 30th, 2016 in Chesapeake, VA. Richard was born on January 4th, 1940 in Cumberland, Maryland; he was the son of the late Helmuth (Fritz) and Mary Werkmeister. Pre-deceseased by his brother Jack Werkmeister and his sister Joyce Kjarsgaard. Dick was a veteran of the US Navy. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 serving as Naval Aviation Electronics Technician Radar. In 1980 he retired from the Navy as Master Chief Petty Officer. He continued supporting the Armed Forces as a civilian employee of NAVMASSO later known as SPAWAR Systems Center retiring in 2004. He was an avid golfer, loved the Redskins, tootsie rolls, building fires, working on puzzles, traveling with friends and most of all spending time with his family. He nick named himself Richard The Great (RTG) and proudly represented the Purple team at many annual Werkmeister family reunions.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Werkmeister of Chesapeake, VA; three daughters, Cynthia Tache and husband Patrick of Virginia Beach, VA; Christine McLaren and husband Sean of Virginia Beach, VA; Deborah Krzych and husband Matthew of Tiverton, RI; two stepsons Patrick Carow and wife Kristen of Suffolk, VA; Brandon Carow and Carolyn Thompson of Chesapeake, VA; and grandchildren Briana and Blair McLaren, Holly Tache, Hayden and Madelyn Krzych,and Jesiek and Tavin Carow.
The Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 7th, 2016 at 10:00 am at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, Virginia 23434.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org and The Williams Syndrome Association www.williams-syndrome.org.
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Thank you, Master Chief Werkmeister, for your service to our country.
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When god made Dick Werkmeister he broke the mold. ….love you always Dick..xoxo
Beaner
Lisa: please accept my heartfelt condolence on the passing of a great friend. I worked with Dick for almost every year he was a member of the SPAWAR family. He always held the needs of the customer above what appeared to be a pothole in the road, in which he treated them more of a speed bump in the highway to success. He was the SORT/MERGE King. It is my prayer that in the coming days, your heart will sort out the not so pleasant memories and merge all the more pleasant ones into something you will cherish all the days of your life. Please pass my condolences to your immediate and extended family.
Lisa, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I worked with Dick for a number of years in the old NAVMASSO. He was great at his job, which included a lot of travel around the country and overseas. The people he worked with learned so much from him and were always pleased with his efforts. I never saw him upset with anyone or anything. He was always happy (especially after Lisa came into his life!) He was a joy to be around.
Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Lisa my heart goes out to you for the loss of Dick. My prayers are with you and your family. Please call on me if you need anything.
Patty
Lisa, God’s blessings to you during this most difficult time. I pray HE will give you comfort during the coming days.
I had the great pleasure of playing golf and going to ODU football games with Dick. His pleasant personality, quick wit, and winning smile made all of our social activities just great. Good man!
My condolences to you Lisa and to your family. A truly Good Man has gone,
I will never forget how he took the time to help me out when I started working here.My prayers are with you.
Our thoughts are with your entire family. Praying God blesses your hearts- Hugs to you Chris-
Lisa, I am truly sorry for you and your family’s loss. Sending condolences, thoughts and prayers from the James family to yours. Praying for Strength and Peace for you all in this difficult time.
Shirley
What a loving, wonderful man that I have always been proud to call my Uncle. I was so looking forward to his awesome hugs that I thought I would get at the family reunion next week. Uncle Dick made everyone feel special and loved but it was obvious how much he loved you Lisa, my thoughts and prayers are with you
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Our hope is that past wonderful memories will ease the pain during this time of transition.
Lisa, I just got word today of Dick’s passing. I was shocked to here it. I really appreciated Dick because he helped me so much when I first arrived at NAVMASSO. He helped change an electronic technician into a computer tech. He was always smiling around me and had a wonderful sense of humor. I enjoyed golfing with him on our NAVMASSO outings. May GOD bless you during this time of sorrow.
Chris, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Although a fleeting acquaintance, we shared the same passion for golf that made for hail fellow, well met easy to do. Take solace in that you have Sean to lean on during this life changing event.
Love,
Randy, Becky and Paige.