Richard Lee Tighe

Richard Lee Tighe, age 87, resident of Phillippi, WV, passed away December 31, 2024 at the home of his daughter.

Richard was born May 15, 1937 in Grafton, to the late Harry Leslie Tighe and Myrtle Catherine (Grow) Tighe. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1955. Upon graduation, he worked for the railroad, and met his wife Mary Chapline while volunteering for the Salvation Army. The were married for 60 years until her death in 2022.

Richard entered the US Air Force on February 13, 1961 and served as a Missile Maintenance Technician, finally retiring February 28, 1981. He and his family returned to Grafton, where he worked in insurance, and earned an Associated Degree. He then worked at Huttonsville Correctional Center, retiring in 1999.

Richard enjoyed westerns, yard work, gardening, and woodworking. He was a quiet person, enjoying time at home with his family more than anything. He was a giving person, always helpful and volunteering his time to family and friends. He was the honorary chauffeur, always the first to volunteer to drive anyone anywhere they needed to go: the airport, to school, even across the country.

Richard is survived by his three daughters: Kathleen Tighe-Smith and husband Neal of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Catherine Bowman and husband Paul II of Mt. Clare, Leslie Maley and husband Frank of Nestorville; seven grandchildren: Holli Junkins and husband Kevin,
Aaron Griffith, Sarah Bowman, Emily Bowman-Stickel and her husband Kyle, Frank Maley, Andra Smith, and Raven Smith; and five great-grandchildren: Jayden, Olivia, Jacob, Layla, and Delilah
Junkins.

He is also survived by his brother John Tighe and wife Donna of Grafton, and sister June Burgoyne and husband Richard of Newburg, and several nieces and nephews. Finally, special family friend Peggy Hurst.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Thomas, James, Paul David, and Carol Anne.

The family would like to give special thanks to Richard’s caregivers, Frank L. Maley and Cassity Gallo, for providing such compassionate and loving in-home care. We also want to thank Manchin’s Assisted Living in Bridgeport, Amedisys Hospice in Harrison County, and WV Caring Hospice in Barbour County.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Tuesday January 7, from 11am- 12:30 pm. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Burnett officiating. Interment will follow in the WV National Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the US Air Force and American Legion Post #96 of Belington.