Richard Sherwood von Schilling, affectionately known as 'Bones', passed away peacefully
on January 4, 2025, in Hampton, Virginia at the age of eighty. He was born in Hampton on
September 30,1944 and was an 'Old Hamptonian'.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Leopold Marshall 'Winks' von Schilling Jr
and Anne Booker Mallory Spinks and his godmother Esther Piland with whom he was very
close.
Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years Sandra Shelton von Schilling; sons Sherwood Scott von Schilling (Lynette), Steven V. von Schilling (Sabrina), Kent M. von Schilling (Jennifer); and daughter, Dory C. Bledsoe (Rick). He is also survived by sisters; Dr. Jean Marshall von Schilling and Caroline Mallory Michaelis; and a brother, Lucien King von Schilling (Mary). In addition, he is survived by 8 grandchildren, Peyton (Amanda), Harrison, Hunter, Jordan, Taylor, Brooke, Rylan and Cameron. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He attended Randolph Macon Academy where he sustained a football injury. He completed his secondary education at Hampton High School and graduated in 1964. He later attended Campbell College (now Campbell University). After a lengthy career with the Hampton Po-
lice Department, Richard retired as a Captain. He subsequently spent his time at his cabin in Drakes Branch VA. He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards and antiquing. He loved living on the water and was a nature lover. Richard was a member of The Lions Club, German Club and The Jamestown Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St John's Episcopal Church, 100 West Queens Way, Hampton, VA, where Richard was a lifelong member. A reception will follow at St. John's Parish House.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or the Peninsula SPCA at www.peninsulaspca.org. or at 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.