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Richard Theodore (Dick) Salazar, Sr. departed this life on Sunday, September 22, 2013 after a long and brave struggle with cancer. Dick was born on February 10, 1933 in Cannes, France to Jose Salazar and Corrine Tsitsopoulos. He was preceded in death by his brothers whom he dearly loved, Bob and Nono, as well as his very beloved sister Gladys.Dick served in the 101st Airborne Division and enjoyed a distinguished career as a Foreign Service officer for the U.S. Department of State. He served and lived with his family in various posts on the African continent including the Congo, Cameroon, and Tunisia. Dick remained ever concerned for the development of that region, the well-being of its people, and the preservation of its arts and culture. His last post was Paris, France where he served as Administrative Officer, First Secretary to the Ambassador for three years. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1975, Dick was appointed to the position of Executive Director, Bureau of African Affairs. He served in that capacity until his retirement from Federal Service in 1983. In recent years, Dick volunteered many hours to the American Cancer Society. He was a Third Degree Knight at the Fredericksburg Council, a Fourth Degree Knight at the Rappahannock Assembly, and served in various positions including; Grand Knight 2001-2, Faithful Navigator, and District Deputy. Dick also served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fredericksburg, Va.He especially loved surf fishing at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, as well as wood carving and gardening with his devoted wife.He lives in the hearts of his loving wife of sixty years, Odette; and his children, Ronald, Michele, and Richard Jr. He was lovingly known as "Papa" to his seven grandchildren, Kenneth, Zachary, Christopher, Nicholas, Richie, Mikey, and Emmy.The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, at Covenant Funeral Service, 1310 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, Va.A Mass of Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 27 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1009 Stafford Ave., Fredericksburg, Va. Interment will be a private ceremony at Quantico National Cemetery.Memorials may made be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division Inc., 4240 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, Va. 23060-9904. |