Richard F. "Dick" Andrews

Andrews, Richard F. “Dick”, 91, passed away March 10, 2016. Born in London, England in 1924, Dick immigrated with his parents to the U.S. through Ellis Island and grew up in the Meadowbrook and Cary St Rd areas of Richmond. Dick was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America achieving the Order of the Arrow. A naturalized U. S. Citizen, he joined the U. S. Infantry Army in 1943; serving in the WW II Central Europe Theater as a Staff Sergeant, Parachute Rigger and Repairman in the 13th Parachute Maint. Co. of the 13th Airborne Division.

Dick remained a life-long Richmond resident in the Highland Park and Bon Air areas. Graduating from Va Tech in 1950 as a Mechanical Engineer, he worked with Sentry Sprinkler, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, before enjoying a 33 year career at E. I. DuPont Spruance Plant in Richmond, VA. After consulting with Mays Engineering, Dick enjoyed retirement; spending time with family; playing golf; gardening; volunteering in various Director roles for the 82nd Airborne Division Assoc/VA State Chapter; a member of the S.O.K.I. Boy Scout Club, ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and Manchester Masonic Lodge #14; as well as supporting his wife’s volunteer work and being her full time caregiver for the last 5 years.

Dick lived the airborne creed by not quarreling or bragging about his deeds, being fiercely loyal, holding sacred trust, courteous to all, neatness of dress, and a man of character who never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha “Betty” Tinsley Andrews; his children, Marcia Swenck (Fred); Richie Andrews; Margaret Mangas (Doug); six grandchildren, Derick Swenck (Meghan); Blakely Amati (Nick); Molly Grigsby (Luke); Andrew Swenck (Mary MacKenzie); Richard Swenck; Betsy Andrews; five great grandchildren, Georgia Swenck; Martin Amati; Kenna Swenck; Henry Amati; Grier Swenck; sister and brothers-in-law; Jean and Roy Martin; nieces and nephews, Roy Martin, Jr (Joy); Cathy Carter (Curt); Sue Feigley; Russ Martin (Sara) and step-grandchildren, Bryan Mangas; Kimberly Mangas.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents William Frank Albert and Grace Philpott Andrews, daughter-in-law, Mary Sloan Andrews and nephew-in-law, Mike Feigley. The family thanks Dr. William Voelzke (VCI), Gentiva Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their care and guidance.

Viewing and visitation will be at Woody Funeral Home-Parham Chapel on Friday, March 25, 6 – 8:30 PM, with funeral on Saturday, March 26 at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Patriot Foundation supporting children of deceased / wounded / disabled from the 82nd Airborne or “do something fun” with family or friends.