Mrs. Marjory Gladys Melillo Richard, beloved wife of the late Edward L. Richard Sr. and longtime resident of Accomac, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the age of 99, at Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was a devout member of Baptist Bible Church in Accomac, and faith was her guiding light.
Born on March 4, 1926, in Newark, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Eleanor Melillo. In 1945, Marjory married Edward (“Eddie”) Richard in Metuchen, N.J. The couple began their life together in Barnegat, N.J., where they moved in 1947. In 1970, they relocated to Frost Pond, Maine, and later to Rainy River, Ontario, Canada, where they operated a hunting and fishing lodge. In 1990, Marjory and Eddie retired to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, making their home in Accomac.
Marjory is survived by her son, Edward L. Richard Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Barnegat; her sister, Arlene Melillo Kusmick and her husband, Kenneth, of Metuchen; and four grandchildren, Nicole Richard, Kyle Richard, Ronald Wood, and Gary Wood. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who were always there to help and support her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Edward Leonard Richard; her daughter, Marjorie Gail Wood; her brother, Gerald Melillo; and her sister, Ruth Melillo Terwilliger.
A memorial service will be held at Baptist Bible Church, 24577 Front St., Accomac, VA on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Bible Church, 24577 Front St., Accomac, VA 23301, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: Eastern Shore Walk 2025 — Barbara’s Walkers, 6160 Kempsville Circle, Suite 322A, Norfolk, VA 23502.
