Richard Philip Sidone, born on April 5, 1951, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his devoted wife, Linda, and his daughter, Susan, by his side. He was 75 years old.
Rich graduated from California University of Pennsylvania and, in the early 1970s, joined several lifelong friends who answered the call to “Teach at the Beach.” What began as an adventure became a lifelong vocation. Rich dedicated his life to education and to the belief that every child deserved an advocate.
After earning his Master’s degree in School Administration from The College of William & Mary, Rich embarked on a distinguished leadership career with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Over the years, he served as a teacher, special education coordinator, assistant principal, principal of Birdneck Elementary, Corporate Landing Elementary, and White Oaks Elementary before becoming Director of Elementary Education for the entire school division. Early in his career, Rich envisioned the creation of the Preschool Assessment Center, recognizing the critical importance of identifying and supporting young learners with special needs as early as possible. He was immensely proud to see that vision become a reality—a program that continues to serve children and families today.
Rich’s influence on students, teachers, families, colleagues, and aspiring school leaders is immeasurable. He led with common sense, unwavering integrity, and an unshakable commitment to doing what was best for children. He mentored countless educators and helped shape a generation of school leaders throughout Virginia Beach. Even in retirement, Rich continues to give back, he and Linda substituted for principals throughout the Virginia Beach School Division in a job-share format they became the Dynamic Duo for principals. Additionally, he served as a hearing officer with the Office of Student Leadership, ensuring that his wisdom and fairness continued to make a difference.
Rich loved to laugh—and everyone who knew him remembers that unmistakable, booming laugh. It filled a room and made everyone around him smile. While he found humor in just about everything, there was one subject that was no laughing matter: his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Win or lose, he was a loyal fan through and through.
He also enjoyed a few well-earned guilty pleasures. Rich never met a new car he didn’t admire—he firmly believed life was too short to drive the same one for too long—and he had quite an appreciation for a great pair of shoes. He never turned down soft-shell crabs, kielbasa, a fried bologna sandwich from Zero’s, or a serving of bread pudding. He treasured traveling with Linda, especially their trips to Italy, spending time with dear friends, playing golf with the Bubbas, and making Dairy Queen runs with his grandsons. Those simple moments brought him as much joy as any grand adventure.
Rich was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Quindo and Helen Sidone. He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Linda Sidone; his cherished children, Susan Wilkins (Walter), Kate Callan (Matt), and Matt Barcus; his dear sister, Lorraine Scansorelli; his brothers-in-law, Joe Parks (Karen), Lee Parks (Ann); and cousins, nieces, and nephews. and his treasured grandchildren, Daniel Wilkins, Jackson Wilkins, Declan Callan, and Camden Callan, all of whom were the pride and joy of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 24, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach, where family and friends will gather to honor Rich’s extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Rich’s honor. Online condolences and donation information are available through Altmeyer Funeral Home.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Rich’s physicians and the entire medical team at Virginia Oncology Associates, as well as the compassionate nurses and staff on the Oncology Unit at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, whose exceptional care, kindness, and support brought comfort to Rich and his family throughout this difficult time.
Rich leaves behind far more than a distinguished career. He leaves a legacy of kindness, wisdom, laughter, mentorship, and lives made better because he was part of them. He will be remembered with gratitude, spoken of with admiration, laughed about often, and missed beyond measure by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
