Richard 'Dickie' Tampoya

Richard “Dickie” Tampoya, affectionately known as “The Captain” or “Brad Pitt,” passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 13, 1949, in the Philippines, he was the son of Dr. Potenciano and Liberty Theresa Tampoya. One of twelve children, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Rolando, Erlinda, Eduardo, Solomon, and Samuel. He is survived by his brothers and sisters Manolo, Catherine, Maria Theresa, John, Mark, and Joanne, as well as his devoted wife of 38 years, Debbie, and his sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Wendy Smith and Ben and Bronlyn Smith. His greatest joys were his granddaughters Rylea, Emma, Maggie, and Mia. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Drake, and his close friends Maria, Barb, and Darlene.

Dickie attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary in Vienna, West Virginia, where he formed lifelong friendships with his seminarian brothers. He graduated from St. Francis in 1967 and continued his studies at West Liberty and Fairmont State. His working life began at an Exxon station on South High, where he partnered with Rudy Scudiere before becoming the owner of Brockway Amoco, a beloved community gathering place. Later, he built a second career and another close-knit work family at Mylan Pharmaceuticals.

A devoted family man, Dickie cherished time with his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and especially his wife Debbie and their sons Justin and Ben. He delighted in following their activities in hockey, football, golf, and skiing, and later found pure happiness in the company of his four granddaughters. He loved traveling with Debbie and the family, cooking and sharing new recipes, playing cards with his siblings, and enjoying music of every kind. An avid photographer, he captured countless special moments for others, and he took great pleasure in shopping for cars, cameras, stereo equipment, jewelry for Debbie, and the latest technology. He found deep satisfaction in helping others and investing in their lives.

Faith remained central to Dickie throughout his life. A longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he sang in the choir for many years and served as an usher. He will be remembered for his warm spirit, his generous heart, and the way he brought people together, whether at a tailgate with Crown Royal or simply watching the world go by with his lifelong friend Gary.