Obituary of Richard Vincent Slepetz

Richard V. Slepetz

January 20, 1944 – June 1, 2018

On June 1, 2018, Richard V. Slepetz died at his home in Herndon within the arms of his family after a brutal battle with kidney cancer. He was 74, and would have celebrated his 50^th wedding anniversary with beloved wife Linda in July. He is deeply missed by children Richell Slepetz (James) and Richard Scott Slepetz (Judi).  He was a loving and devoted husband, a very proud father, father-in-law, and grandfather, and a great man. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandchildren, Jenna, Jack, and Julia. He loved his antique 1955 GMC fire truck, his Jeep, camping, music, reading, history, and the beach.  He was a proud member of SPAAMFA and the Old Dominion Historical Fire Society.

Richard was a humble, kind, and gentle soul and he will be missed by all who knew him. He was a dedicated public servant and a loyal friend.  He served in the U.S. Army with honor from 1965-1967. He served his community as a member of the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department until he was hired by the Fairfax County Fire Department in 1968.  He served the public until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1992.

In 1973 he started Roto Rays Warning Lights, Inc., as a hobby. His business grew exponentially to include widespread national and international sales.  If you see a “spinner” on the front of a fire truck, you are viewing his personal handiwork, which serves as a testament to his dedicated efforts to improve public safety.

He is predeceased by father John “Jack” Slepetz, mother Edith Marshall Slepetz, and brother John Slepetz. He is also survived by brothers Stephen (Elizabeth) and Timothy Slepetz, and a host of family and friends who loved him. He leaves behind a void that will never be filled.

Services will include a visitation from 5-8pm on June 8, and a celebration of his life from 12:30-1:00pm on June 9 at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon.  Interment will follow the service at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Herndon.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Firefighters Fund of Fairfax County.