Obituary - Robert John Dahlstedt

Robert John Dahlstedt, 88, of Henrico, VA died January 7, 2021. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Tonelli Dahlstedt, his parents Leon and Anne Crehan Dahlstedt, grandson Justin Gaines, and sister Mary D. Callahan. He is survived by his children Maureen D. Gaines (Jim), Stephen Dahlstedt (Shannon), and Eileen Dahlstedt; his seven grandchildren Ian Gaines (Kathryn), Andrew Gaines (Kelley), Alec Gaines, Derek Gaines, Susannah Gaines, Benjamin Dahlstedt, and Andrew Dahlstedt, who all referred to him affectionately as “Pop Pop”; sisters Carol D. Granville, Anne Dahlstedt, and Jeanne D. Sheridan; as well as grand-dogs Bianca, Sadie, Molly, and Parker.

Bob’s favorite activities were many and varied. He had a passion for sports, especially playing softball, hiking, and officiating or coaching. He was an avid Hokie fan, although his Fall weekends were often made or broken depending on how Notre Dame and the Redskins fared. Bob was a true outdoorsman who loved nature and gardening, and was affectionately called Digger O’Dell by his wife. He took great joy in crafting things for people he loved, including walking sticks and birdhouses. Bob was a collector of many items, including coins, stamps, hats(!), and more. His love of music crossed many genres, and later in life put Alexa to work playing bluegrass, old time country and classical songs. He enjoyed food with gusto, especially sweets and dark beer. Ever the philanthropist, Bob was a Big Brother, served on the finance committee for Henrico County Credit Union, served on the board of Our Lady of Hope, volunteered as an EMT for Lakeside Rescue Squad, and devoted his energy to numerous committees and projects at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. He frequently donated coats to the church, which brought warmth to many families. Bob was a man of great faith and his devotion was further exemplified by being a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Knights of Columbus.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on February 15, 1932, he was raised in Washington, D.C. He started his college career at Virginia Tech as a cadet, eventually graduating from George Washington University with a degree in Geography. He later earned a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at M.I.T.

He began his professional career working for the U.S. Army Map Service in the “Wild West.“ This time was often recounted in exciting adventure stories. After marrying Loretta in 1958, they settled in Richmond where he began his work at Henrico County in the Planning Department, working there for 30 years, eventually becoming Director. A highlight for Bob was his time collaborating on the development of Richmond’s baseball stadium, The Diamond. Following retirement, he and Loretta enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. and many foreign countries.

The final lines of a song Bob loved called “Nature Boy”(made popular by Nat King Cole) describes a philosophy of life he followed, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

A private visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. with a Funeral Mass following at 11:00 A.M., both held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Interment to follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. A link for live streaming of the service and interment can be accessed through Bob's obituary page at www.blileys.com.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be planned in the future.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of those that cared for Bob and loved him, including his dear caregivers from Greensboro, Sally and Ishmael, and all his caregivers from Comfort Keepers, his Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers in Richmond, Lurene, Ellen, Connie, Jane, as well as staff and friends at St. Mary’s Woods.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Camboni Sisters of Richmond, Little Sisters of the Poor, Covenant House, or your local Hospice organization.