Richard Bologna
Richard Bologna, age 79, of Edmonds, WA died peacefully in his sleep at his home after a quiet battle against cancer and heart disease.
Born in Brooklyn and raised all around the east coast, Richard attended Moorhead State College where he obtained a BA in English, followed later by an accounting degree from the University of Puget Sound. Richard was drafted by the Army during the Vietnam War and received a deferment to complete his education. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in November 1972. To begin his post military career, he started in public accounting and went on to open his own firm. Though crunching numbers never left him, he eventually decided to follow his passion for coffee and opened an espresso cafe with his wife, Linda. After 8 years, the caffeine wore off and he went to work for the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Office, where he put in a solid 9 years of dedicated work. Richard then found himself drawn back to the numbers and decided to resume his own practice working out of his home office so he could spend as much time as possible with Linda and soon his grandkids.
Richard was active in the Edmonds community and he loved bringing people together. He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, VFW, Hero’s Cafe, and started his own networking group. He was often seen walking around downtown Edmonds, popping in just to say hi and engaging with many over coffee and conversation at his favorite local spots.
His hobbies included following Mariners baseball, losing to Linda at Scrabble, watching documentaries and movies, meeting new people, and playing with his grandchildren.
Survived by his wife Linda, daughter Tara, son-in-law Kerstan, grandchildren Brooklynn and Taylor, brothers Stephen Bologna and Peter Bologna, and sisters Dana Leopold, Nancy Bologna, and Jane McGuire.
Richard’s burial will take place at Beck’s Restlawn Memorial Park in Edmonds on Monday, February 24th @ 2pm and will be open to the public. Richard would love to see you again for a final farewell!
Richard was a great member of the community and Chamber. Always willing to volunteer and help at the community events. I shall forever remember the story of Richard and Blaine golfing and how Richard drove too fast, cut the wheel and launched Blaine from the cart and into the grass. You will be missed Mr. Bologna!!
Rest in peace, Richard. You were such a kind and ebullient man. I will miss seeing you around. ❤️
Richard was one of our community’s greatest cheerleaders and champions, always willing to help. And, he loved a good chat about what’s going on in the community. Thank you Richard for your great contributions to our community.
I’m saddened to learn of Richard’s passing. I saw him often downtown, usually at Cafe Louvre, and at civic events. He always had something positive to share and a keen interest in our community. At a Veterans Day event, we were two vets sharing stories, his Navy, mine Army. Richard will be missed.
Richard was always involved, always encouraging, always supportive, always positive. He was a great asset to Edmonds and I miss him already.
Among the most kind people I have known and so generous with his time. I will miss Richard in all of the many places I am used to seeing him in Edmonds. He will be the angel on my shoulder encouraging me to sign up/show up to help when I am waffling and feeling lazy…. He always showed up. Rest in Peace, Richard.
Rich was a great supporter of the veteran community in Edmonds and South Snohomish County. It was our honor to have him as a member of Edmonds American Legion Post 66, and he brought his special sense of humor to all of our events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, and he will truly be missed!
Dan Mullene, Commander, American Legion Post 66
RIP Richard. Nice to have coffee with you at Starbucks and Hero’s Cafe.
Richard will be missed by all his comrades at Edmonds VFW Post 8870. Richard was always ready to support the Post or for that any veteran in need. He especially enjoyed our Memorial Day and Veterans Day Poppy Drives. Rest in Peace my friend. Your watch is over.
Duane Bowman
Commander VFW Post 8870
Richard was a great friend and coworker. I will miss visiting with him over coffee or a pint of ale. God bless and rest in peace!
Bert
Richard definitely had “a life well-lived” and positively impacted everyone with whom he had contact. I will miss his energy, positive attitude and cordiality. I hope his family takes comfort in knowing what a positive influence he was on so many people.
I am deeply saddened when I learn the sudden passing of Richard Bologna, a dear friend I made when we both served as the Edmonds Chamber ambassador, together we visited many local businesses in Edmonds and the surrounding cities. He was very generous with his time, always show up at different community events. What I remember most is his humble smile. It seems like nothing in this world bothers him, he is always being positive and upbeat. You will be missed Richard!
I sat next to Richard one morning at a Chamber meeting a decade ago and we quickly learned that we were Veterans; he was so proud of his Navy service. As members of VFW Post 8870 we spent many enjoyable hours at the entrance to the Westgate QFC sharing Buddy Poppies and stories with shoppers. I will miss his perpetual good humor and most of all his big heart. Rest in peace, my friend!