Richard Dean Heironimus Jr.'s Obituary
Richard Dean Heironimus Jr. passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, in Leesburg, Virginia, at the age of 81.
Rich was born on July 3, 1944, in Harmon, West Virginia, to R. Dean and Helen Heironimus. He grew up on a small farm in Cannan Valley before moving to Davis WV, and eventually to Falls Church where he graduated high school. Rich served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After returning to the States, he graduated from Marshall University and went on to serve a long and distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration, retiring as a division manager.
Rich and his wife Donna raised a family and made a home in Leesburg. Together they owned and ran the Leesburg Hobby Center for 10 years where he was able to amass a large collection of Alaska Railroad train cars to pass along to his children.
In retirement - Rich enjoyed traveling the country in his camper as well as spending time at his second home in Florida. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandkids and was known for his tractor rides and playing the cuckoo clock for them.
Rich was married to his beloved wife, Donna Heironimus, for 39 years until her passing in 2008. He is survived by their children, Rich (Becky), Molly, and Andrew (Colleen) and 8 grandchildren Haley, Gavin, Owen, Seth, Tyler, Paige, Drew, and Rylie. Rich was able to find companionship and love a second time and is also survived by his current wife Judy Reinhardt. He is lovingly remembered by her and her two children Kirstan Hutchinson (Chris) and Stefan (Jen) and her three grandchildren Taylor, Geneva (Collin), and Emerson. He is also survived by his siblings, Penny Smoot and Stuart (Donna), as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Rich had a talent for turning strangers into lifelong companions after a single meeting.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 - 10:00 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Leesburg United Methodist Church, 107 W Market Street, Leesburg, VA. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at The Gleedsville Cemetery, where Rich will be laid to rest next to Donna.
Please join the family for a reception at the Heironimus Homestead, 20429 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg, VA, immediately following the interment.
If you wish to contribute in some way, please consider a small donation to the Leesburg United Methodist Church.
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