Richard David Guy OBITUARY
Richard David Guy OBITUARY
Richard David Guy, 93, a prominent local real estate attorney, was peacefully reunited with the love of his life on July 24, 2024. He was born on June 9, 1931, to the late Victor A. Guy and Eunice Wild in Leominster, MA.
Richard graduated from Leominster High School in 1949. After he moved with his family to Portland, Maine, he attended Portland Junior College, then moved to Washington DC, graduating from American University and Washington College of Law. He returned to Portland and practiced law with his older brother, Al Guy, for 3 years. He quickly became active in local politics serving on the Republican City Committee and was a Delegate to the Republican State Convention. At the age of 25, he was asked to run as the Republican candidate for State Representative. Despite not winning the election, he was asked to travel the country to help write speeches for Republicans running for office.
In 1959 Richard moved to Virginia Beach to work for a mortgage company at the offer of George Sullivan, his brother Al’s friend. While he waited to be accepted to the Virginia Bar, he met the one and only, full of life, Clara Cistola. They married in 1960. He often mentioned that he was so lucky to have such a happy marriage.
Richard then started a law firm and was very grateful that the honorable Austin Owen agreed to join him (Owen and Guy). Over the next 60 years, Richard was fortunate to practice with many of the area’s finest attorneys. Builders that he represented ended up becoming like family.
In his own words, he “found the light” in Virginia Beach and became a Democrat. Richard served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1970-72; President, Virginia Beach Bar Association, 1974; Commissioner in Chancery, Virginia Beach Circuit Court, 1977-2007; Chairman, Local Government Study Commission, 1985; Chairman, Mayor’s Committee Concerning Freedom of Information Act, 1980; Former Chairman, Tidewater Community College Board; Former President, Virginia Beach Estate Planning Council; Foreman of Special Grand Jury Investigating School Board activities, 1996; Former Chairman of Chamber of Commerce State and National Legislative Committees, Virginia Beach; General Counsel and Board Member, Tidewater Builders Association, for almost three decades.
Along with politics and serving his community, his other great passion was photography. He had a talent for capturing animals in their natural habitat; his favorites were taken in Kenya and Alaska.
Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, attorney, politician, civic leader, photographer. His family and many friends will remember him for living the Golden Rule, “treat others as you wish to be treated,” his abundance of wisdom, never-ending positivity and great sense of humor. He believed and tried to practice: let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.
He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Clara (Cistola) Guy; his son, Richard D. “Richie” Guy, Jr.; his 3 brothers Victor A. Guy, Jr, Albert E. Guy, and Arthur “Pete” Guy. An exemplary father and grandfather, Richard’s true delight was being with his family. Left to cherish his memory include his children, Patricia (Tricia) Edwards and her husband Dr. Richard R. Edwards of Newport News, VA, and David S. Guy and his wife Natalie G. Guy of Virginia Beach, his 5 grandchildren, Ricky (fiancé Laura) Edwards, Ryan (Chelsea) Edwards, and Rachel (Ben) Brannaman, Olivia and Lauren Guy, and two great granddaughters Mackenzie and Riley Brannaman, as well as his sister Eunice (Tom) Silvetti, and beloved by many nieces and nephews.
Richard’s family is thankful for the many friends he made while living at the Town Center Westin and the unmatched care he received while at Westminster Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay.
The family will receive friends on August 1, from 5-6:30 p.m. at HD Oliver Funeral Apts, Laskin Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on August 2, at noon, Church of the Holy Family, with interment to follow at Princess Anne Memorial Park, Great Neck Road. A reception at Holy Family will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
