Richard Wobbe

By the grace of God, Richard Wobbe, son of William and Louise Ehrler Wobbe of Brooklyn, NY. came into the world on March 12, 1930. Destined to be the father of 10 high-spirited children with his intrepid wife, Josephine Gioia Baudanza.

Following high school graduation, Richard enlisted in the Air Force. After a three-year romance, Richard and Josephine were wed at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 30, 1951. Richard fought for two years in the Korean War, and was awarded the Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Josie battled on the home front, delivering and raising Kathleen.

Upon his return, Richard became an Aircraft Inspector at Andrews Airforce Base in Maryland and worked second jobs at Sears to support his growing family. Retiring in 1973 and moving to Newport, New Hampshire, Richard managed Cricenti’s Market, New London, NH for many years. He served in the Knights of Columbus in several parishes and as Grand Knight in St. John Bosco Parish in Woodstock VA. Richard assisted in the foundation and service of the Guadalupe Free Clinic in Colonial Beach, VA for many years. He was the right hand of every pastor he had.

Richard’s life passion was his Catholic Faith and his family. He lived the valor and courage of selfless love, and sacrifice. His brilliant, unabating humor, punctuated by a cigar, a good beer, and great music sustained us all in joy.  His simplicity and edifying virtues were practiced with steadfastness, courage and humility. Pop pop was the treasure of every grand and great-grandchild, of which there are over 100. His devoted first wife Josephine of 71 years cared for him with that same valor and courage as he battled every affliction for the last two years in the Westmoreland Rehabilitation Home in Colonial Beach, VA. Well done, Mom.

His children Kathleen Towne, Richard Wobbe, Susan Bellavance, William Wobbe, Mary Ann Rybak, Henry Wobbe, Rosary Hoovler, Anthony Wobbe, and Joseph Wobbe lift our broken hearts in prayers of gratitude for our Dad.

Richard Wobbe died on March 26, 2023.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm, Friday, March 31 at Storke Funeral Home, Colonial Beach Chapel.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 12noon, Saturday, April 1 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in King George.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Guadalupe Free Clinic, PO Box 275 Colonial Beach, Virginia, 22443.