Obituary
Richard “Rick” Stanley Fuller, 74, passed away at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center at 5:30 pm on Monday, January 11, 2021 after a long fought battle with cancer. Rick was born on February 10, 1946 in Salem, Massachusetts to parents Robert Priest Fuller (dec.) and Virginia Isabelle Fuller (dec.). He graduated from Bellevue West High School in 1964 after which he joined the United States Naval Reserves where he served during the Vietnam era from 1966 to 1972. Rick then attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an endorsement in Education. Rick spent the next 30 years as an educator in Norfolk area schools including Mary Calcott Elementary, Jeb Stewart Elementary, and finally concluding his career at James Blair Middle School as a teacher of math and science.
Rick loved to travel and spend time outdoors. He enjoyed sailing, golf, and snow skiing in addition to watching the odd rugby or football game. As an avid snow skier, Rick started his second career as a ski instructor at Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia. Rick spent his time as a ski instructor for the better part of 15 years where he received numerous certifications and Instructor of the Year in 2014. When he wasn’t skiing, Rick could often be found golfing and spent time as a course marshal at the Riverfront Golf Club at his home in Suffolk, Virginia. Ever a man of many talents and a lover of music, Rick also found time to play guitar and harmonica as a relaxing pastime or even during random jam sessions with friends.
Rick loved his family and friends and could often be found with a smile on his face and a joke at the ready. He is survived by his wife 31 years, Susan Fuller, his children Richard C. Fuller, Christian Holbein, and Meredith Holbein-Graves and husband Daniel Graves, his brother Robert Fuller and wife Gwen Fuller as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held in Suffolk, Virginia to honor Rick at a later date upon relaxation of current health and safety regulations. Additionally, a memorial for Rick will be held at Wintergreen Resort at a later date as well.
Robin Jones posted on 1/22/21
I’m so sorry to hear about Rick. He was a mentor to me as I started out teaching at Blair in 1994. I thought a lot of him. Thinking of you and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember his retirement sayin, “It is what it is.”
Kathy Butler posted on 1/21/21
Susan, Meredith - so saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I have fond memories on the slopes and in the edge, remembering the grin, the sparkling eyes as they took it all in, but most of all where one was, the other was. May you be lifted by the memories - big and small, and knowing he would say carry on and treasure what and who you love.
Marit Anderson posted on 1/19/21
Rick was a very sweet and kind man. He was a good ski instructor and had a deep relationship with Wintergreen. He will be remembered very fondly. Sending love and strength to Susan and family.
Peter Stransky, Paulette & Kirsten Porter-Stransky posted on 1/19/21
Dear Susan, With deepest sympathy, we are so sorry to hear this news and our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Angela Hughson posted on 1/16/21
With a heart full of sadness and love. I just want to say...I love you all.
Pam Ridder posted on 1/16/21
Rick touched so many people lives. He will always be remembered for his wise and easy going style. You could always count on him to say the right thing when you were searching for an answer. So many people will miss him, but none as much as his family. We wish you strength, peace and closure. Pam and Bob Ridder
Michele Baird posted on 1/16/21
Dear Sue, we are so sorry for your loss and so happy we got to reconnect with you and Rick at the ODU games! Let your love carry you through this time and we hope you find peace remembering the 30+ years you had in love.
Billy Strickland posted on 1/15/21
I am so sorry about Rick. He was a cool guy. I really enjoyed being around you guys when I was a teenager. Rick was a great role model. He was always full of laughter and wit. Whether it be Duck or a Cock Island sail boat race, I will always have fond memories of Rick.
Bonnie Mills posted on 1/15/21
Susan, I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He will live forever in our memories. I can’t hear the Righteous Brother’s song “You’ve Lidt That Loving Feeling” without thinking of Rick at Patty’s Pub”. I will always remember our ski trips and weekends at the beach or on the boat. Billy and Cindi send their love and condolences. I will always cherish our friendship and how blessed we were to have Rick as part of our lives.
Lindsey Gunn posted on 1/15/21
What a wonderful, funny and sweet man Rick was. We’ll miss him in the neighborhood and hope that Susan and his family find peace and comfort. He was loved by so many.