Richard Oarr

Richard Oarr, 61, of Alexandria passed peacefully at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on August 12, 2024.  

Rich underwent a successful liver transplant at the end of 2022 but suffered from Rhabdomyolysis after going back on his cholesterol medication in early 2023.  Unable to leave the hospital, he was susceptible to hospital infections, and after battling through multiple infections, sepsis and pneumonia, he finally succumbed to an infection in his weakened heart. 

Rich was born in Mississippi to Judith Turpin Oarr and Friend Oarr.  He graduated from Bladensburg High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland.  He also received a Masters Degree from Cal State Stanislaus.

Rich spent 20 years on active duty in the Air Force rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served in various roles for the Air Force and the Joint Staff in long range planning and budgeting.  After his retirement, he continued to support the work of the Air Force and DOD as a contractor.

Rich loved staying in touch with friends, old and new, including those he met during his time teaching at the NATO School Oberammergau and the German au pairs that cared for Sydney and Brittany.  He also looked forward to joining several of the ski trips sponsored by the Pentagon, Blue Ridge and Frederick Ski Clubs each year.

He is survived by his mother Judith and her partner Rusty Allen of College Park, Maryland; his brother Chris, sister-in-law Inci and niece Mina of Istanbul, Turkey;  his daughters Sydney and Brittany of Alexandria; grandson Hunter of Alexandria; and his wife Anne Simmons of Alexandria.  Extended family include his Uncle Dickie and Aunt Drue and their children and grandchildren and his late Aunt Turpy's daughter Wendy Olson and granddaughter Roya Davadar.

Anne and his family want to thank the medical and support staff for their care and kindness during Rich's time at Georgetown.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 5th at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia.  There will be a barbeque lunch after the service and folks are welcome to join for lunch if they're not able to make the service.

If you wish to make a memorial, please consider King Street Cats or the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department.