Dr. Richard Frederick Wessel Jr.
- Dr. Richard Frederick Wessel Jr.
Published 6:10 pm Saturday, February 1, 2025
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
January 24,1959 – January 27, 2025
With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Dr. Richard Fredrick Wessel Jr. who left us January 27, 2025, at the age of 66. He passed away at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on January 24,1959, in MapleWood, New Jersey, to Richard and Patricia Wessel. He grew up with a love for learning and a deep sense of compassion, qualities that shaped his life and career. Richard graduated from Oakton High School before earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from George Mason University. He then pursued his medical education at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in Norfolk, Virginia, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1990.
Following medical school, Richard completed his internship in internal medicine at Brown University in 1991, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Brown University in 1993. He then pursued a fellowship in Cardiology at the University of Connecticut, completing his training in 1996.
With a passion for patient care, he went to work with Dr. Lindsey White for many years at Eastern Carolina Cardiovascular where he built lasting relationships with his patients and his coworkers.
Richard was a compassionate healer, a devoted family man, and a cherished friend. He touched countless lives with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Humble and gentle in his ways, he moved through life with a quiet grace. He loved nature and never took for granted the beauty of a freshly fallen snow or the quiet flow of the waters.
Richard was more than just a brilliant doctor; he was a source of comfort and care for those in need. He never hesitated to go the extra mile, whether for his patients, friends, or even strangers. His generosity extended beyond his medical expertise; he gave his time freely and selflessly, always putting others before himself and this he did over and over again.
A lifelong lover of books, Richard filled his mind with wisdom and eagerly shared it with everyone around him. Music brought him both peace and joy, while his deep connection with animals reflected his gentle spirit – one they seemed to recognize instinctively. Oh, how he loved his animals. He also had a love for children and they sensed his gentle nature.
Above all, Richard was fully present with his family. There was nothing at home that he didn’t pour his heart and hands into. Dinners at the table together will never be the same without him as they were not just meals but moments of togetherness where some of the children’s most important lessons were shared and taught there by Richard.
If you knew Richard you had to have shared his laughter – his jokes and quick wit could bring light even to the darkest of days. Yet, behind his humor was a man of deep dedication, whether to his profession, his family or friendships. Richard was a rare and selfless soul, in a world that needs more like him.
Richard leaves behind a loving family, devoted friends, and countless lives that were made better by simply knowing him. Though he is gone, his memory, his laughter, and his love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of calling him a friend, a doctor, and a loved one.
Richard leaves behind his wife, Amber Wessel, who was his best friend, partner, and love for more than 20 years, he also is survived by his two cherished daughters, Lauren Wessel (Andy) of Moyock, North Carolina and Faith Wessel of their home in Poplar Branch, North Carolina; and two grandsons, Waylon Walker and Winston Baldwin.
He will be deeply missed by his mother Patricia Wessel of Williamsburg, Virginia; his two sisters, Dr. Karen Link and her husband David of Williamsburg Virginia, and Deirdre Wessel of Raleigh North Carolina; as well as his nephews, Adam and Matthew Link and his niece, Jessica Link. He also leaves behind his best little friend and buddy Cason Spain.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Victoria Noel Wessel, his brother Danny Wessel and his father Richard Wessel.
A celebration of his life will be held on February 1, 2025 at Coinjock Baptist Church at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Richard’s honor to a charity of your choice. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com.
Rest easy, Doc. Your kindness and love will never be forgotten.