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Dr. Richard F. Wessel, Jr.
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 11am. 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.
Condolences
So sorry for u loss. U r in my prayers
My prayers for the entire family. Always saw him at Y exercising.
Amber & family, We are so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bryan, Wendy, Will & Wes
Amber and family, Dr. Wessel was such a sweet soul, truly loved taking care of people and will be missed by so many. I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Praying your memories will keep the family strong during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of this. I thought so much of Rich. He was such a good person and excellent doctor.
Amber & family I’m so sorry to hear about Dr Wessel. So many fond memories from working with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Dr Wessel - “you will forever be in all of our hearts” ❤️
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Amber, i am so sorry to hear of Richards passing. I pray the Lord wraps his arms around you and brings you peace in this difficult time.
Amber and loved ones, My heart breaks for all of you. Dr. Wessel was a compassionate and awesome cardiologist. When I worked in Endo, the cardiac cath lab was around the corner. I’d see Dr Richard and the staff several times a week. He was always so friendly and kind. When I’d see both of you together, your faces were bright and full of love for each other. Love and prayers, Kay Acurio
Dearest Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of this precious son, husband, Dad, and brother, and for our family, nephew and cousin. Please know that we hurt with and for you and pray that you will find yourself wrapped and comforted in the arms of our blessed Savior and Redeemer. We send our love and deepest sympathy.
Rest in peace Doc. Tony and I are thinking of your family during this sad time. Condolences from Potsdam NY.
Prayers to the entire family and friends.
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family. Please wrap yourselves in the wonderful memories of Doc
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Wessels passing. I worked with him for several years. He was the kindest most compassionate man, both to his patients , and to his coworkers. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Wessel was indeed one of my favorite cardiologists. I loved our days of working together. His compassion and empathy were second to none and I always had strong faith in his knowledge. Thinking of you all.
My condolences to all. First heard of doc because he treated my father in Elizabeth city NC. Soon after becoming a friend/coworker when you all moved to my hometown in NY. I always enjoyed his compassion for all and his ability to make others laugh so easily. He will be missed by anyone who’s had the honor of meeting him!
Dr. Wessel was my husband’s cardiologist after he had a massive heart attack. My husband had 2 arteries dissect and had 8 stents put in. I told Dr. Wessel how my husband died in our bed and how I called 911 and did CPR which saved my husbands life. He called me a hero and gave me one of the best hugs I have ever had. Every appointment after that first one he always had a hug for me. He never knew how much that meant to me!! He was the best cardiologist my husband had!!! So kind so caring and had great common sense. I asked him once if it was ok for my husband to zip line on a cruise we were taking because it warned that those with heart conditions shouldn’t zip line. His response was zip line! He survived the heart attack and he needs to live and enjoy his second chance at life. I will never forget those words. Thank you Dr. Wessel. May you rest in peace! ❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Wessel's passing! I worked with him for quite a few years, and I always enjoyed his humor. My deepest sympathy to his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry about Dr. Wessell, he was there for me when I was definitely in need of cardiac care. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. He was not only brilliant, he was compassionate and caring to his patients. He will be missed.
Dear Sis, Amber & family, Karen, David & family, and DeeDee, What a terrible shock it was to hear of Richard’s sudden passing! Your loss will surely be felt for a long time. However, we should all know that there will be a GREAT reunion in heaven when Richard, Dick (his dad), & brother Danny get together again. And my Mike will be there to greet Richard too. Please know that my heart really hurts for all of y’all though. Much love & sympathy, Georgene
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Richard will be missed by all who knew him.
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Richard Wessel. I have many fond memories from working with him at Eastern Carolina Cardiovascular. He always had a very pleasant smile and he will definitely be missed by many.
Amber and Family, I am sorry to hear this news. Dr. Wessell was a kind and gentle person. He loved to teach when the opportunity presented itself. I worked with him in the beginning of my career and had many questions that he was happy to answer. I was and am so glad to have encountered a doctor as compassionate as he was.
Sorry I could not make it to his memorial. He was a kind and caring doctor, fun loving and easy to work with, at Eastern Carolina Cardiovascular. So sorry for the loss of his passing. My prayers are with his family and all who knew him.
our deepest regrets go out to you Amber and the girls. I feel so heart broken for you all, Richard was a brilliant doctor and so very compassionate to his patients he was loved by all. His staff adored him as well,he was so easy and fun to work with. he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. may God comfort you and the family.
Prayers For Your Family - Thanks For Your Care & Thank You !! ♥
Dear Amber and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dr.wessel was a very compassionate and smart doctor. His patients loved him. He would sit and listen to their symptoms and a story or two without being rushed. Sending prayers to you and your family. Karen Foreman
Amber and the entire Wessel family, I am deeply sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I first met him when he became my first cardiologist and treated me for high blood pressure. I pray that God will be with you every moment in the coming days, months, and years as you look to him for his support.
My deepest sympathy to the Wessel family. Richard was a good friend and colleague. May God continue to bless and comfort you. You all will be in our prayers.
He was my Doctor for a short time. He was a very caring and loving person. Sending prayers to his family.
My prayers are with your family. May you rest in peace Richard.
May you rest in peace Richard. I will have your family in my thoughts & Prayers.
So sorry for u loss. U r in my prayers
My prayers for the entire family.
Always saw him at Y exercising.
Amber & family,
We are so sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bryan, Wendy, Will & Wes
Amber and family, Dr. Wessel was such a sweet soul, truly loved taking care of people and will be missed by so many. I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Praying your memories will keep the family strong during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of this. I thought so much of Rich. He was such a good person and excellent doctor.
Amber & family
I’m so sorry to hear about Dr Wessel. So many fond memories from working with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Dr Wessel – “you will forever be in all of our hearts” ❤️
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Amber, i am so sorry to hear of Richards passing. I pray the Lord wraps his arms around you and brings you peace in this difficult time.
Amber and loved ones, My heart breaks for all of you. Dr. Wessel was a compassionate and awesome cardiologist. When I worked in Endo, the cardiac cath lab was around the corner. I’d see Dr Richard and the staff several times a week. He was always so friendly and kind. When I’d see both of you together, your faces were bright and full of love for each other. Love and prayers, Kay Acurio
Dearest Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of this precious son, husband, Dad, and brother, and for our family, nephew and cousin.
Please know that we hurt with and for you and pray that you will find yourself wrapped and comforted in the arms of our blessed Savior and Redeemer. We send our love and deepest sympathy.
Rest in peace Doc. Tony and I are thinking of your family during this sad time. Condolences from Potsdam NY.
Prayers to the entire family and friends.
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family. Please wrap yourselves in the wonderful memories of Doc
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Wessels passing. I worked with him for several years. He was the kindest most compassionate man, both to his patients , and to his coworkers. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Wessel was indeed one of my favorite cardiologists. I loved our days of working together. His compassion and empathy were second to none and I always had strong faith in his knowledge. Thinking of you all.
My condolences to all. First heard of doc because he treated my father in Elizabeth city NC. Soon after becoming a friend/coworker when you all moved to my hometown in NY. I always enjoyed his compassion for all and his ability to make others laugh so easily. He will be missed by anyone who’s had the honor of meeting him!
Dr. Wessel was my husband’s cardiologist after he had a massive heart attack. My husband had 2 arteries dissect and had 8 stents put in. I told Dr. Wessel how my husband died in our bed and how I called 911 and did CPR which saved my husbands life. He called me a hero and gave me one of the best hugs I have ever had. Every appointment after that first one he always had a hug for me. He never knew how much that meant to me!! He was the best cardiologist my husband had!!! So kind so caring and had great common sense. I asked him once if it was ok for my husband to zip line on a cruise we were taking because it warned that those with heart conditions shouldn’t zip line. His response was zip line! He survived the heart attack and he needs to live and enjoy his second chance at life. I will never forget those words. Thank you Dr. Wessel. May you rest in peace! ❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Wessel’s passing! I worked with him for quite a few years, and I always enjoyed his humor. My deepest sympathy to his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry about Dr. Wessell, he was there for me when I was definitely in need of cardiac care. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. He was not only brilliant, he was compassionate and caring to his patients. He will be missed.
Dear Sis, Amber & family, Karen, David & family, and DeeDee,
What a terrible shock it was to hear of Richard’s sudden passing! Your loss will surely be felt for a long time.
However, we should all know that there will be a GREAT reunion in heaven when Richard, Dick (his dad), & brother Danny get together again. And my Mike will be there to greet Richard too.
Please know that my heart really hurts for all of y’all though.
Much love & sympathy,
Georgene
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Richard will be missed by all who knew him.
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Richard Wessel. I have many fond memories from working with him at Eastern Carolina Cardiovascular. He always had a very pleasant smile and he will definitely be missed by many.
Amber and Family,
I am sorry to hear this news. Dr. Wessell was a kind and gentle person. He loved to teach when the opportunity presented itself. I worked with him in the beginning of my career and had many questions that he was happy to answer. I was and am so glad to have encountered a doctor as compassionate as he was.
Sorry I could not make it to his memorial. He was a kind and caring doctor, fun loving and easy to work with, at Eastern Carolina Cardiovascular. So sorry for the loss of his passing. My prayers are with his family and all who knew him.
our deepest regrets go out to you Amber and the girls. I feel so heart broken for you all, Richard was a brilliant doctor and so very compassionate to his patients he was loved by all.
His staff adored him as well,he was so easy and fun to work with. he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
may God comfort you and the family.
Prayers For Your Family –
Thanks For Your Care &
Thank You !! ♥
Dear Amber and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dr.wessel was a very compassionate and smart doctor. His patients loved him. He would sit and listen to their symptoms and a story or two without being rushed. Sending prayers to you and your family. Karen Foreman
Amber and the entire Wessel family, I am deeply sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I first met him when he became my first cardiologist and treated me for high blood pressure. I pray that God will be with you every moment in the coming days, months, and years as you look to him for his support.
My deepest sympathy to the Wessel family. Richard was a good friend and colleague. May God continue to bless and comfort you. You all will be in our prayers.
He was my Doctor for a short time. He was a very caring and loving person.
Sending prayers to his family.
My prayers are with your family. May you rest in peace Richard.
May you rest in peace Richard. I will have your family in my thoughts & Prayers.