Richard Fenton Downer

WEAVERVILLE – Richard Fenton Downer, age 86, of Herndon, VA, and most recently Weaverville, NC, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at his home with his family gathered around him.

Mr. Downer was born on April 26, 1940, in Washington, DC. He was the son of the late Alice Scheibel and R. Fenton Downer and was also preceded in death by brother, John “Jack” Downer,and sister, Lynn Downer Jackson.

Surviving is his wife of 33 years, Linda L. Downer; children, Douglas Downer and wife Annie, Debra Vigotsky and husband Tim, Doreen Meadows and husband Jay, whom he shared with his first wife, the late Judy Downer; stepsons, Larry Limon and wife Ruth, and Jeremy Ward and wife Rebecca; grandchildren, Timothy Vigotsky, Jr. (Amy), Kaitlyn Downer-Petruncio (John), Chris Vigotsky, Julia Downer (Glendon), Miranda O’Toole (Brendan), Monica Madden (Ned), Adelaide Ward and Harper Ward; and many wonderful great grandchildren.

At just four days old, Richard moved with his family to the then-rural community of Oakton, Virginia, where his lifelong connection to Northern Virginia and Herndon began.

In 1951, following his father’s purchase of a barbershop in downtown Herndon, Richard began working there at a young age, shining shoes on weekends and during the summers. By 1955, he had taken up barbering and continued working in the shop—later located on Station Street—through his years at Herndon High School, from which he graduated in 1958, and while attending the University of Virginia, where he earned his B.S. In Commerce degree in 1962.

After several years in the restaurant business, Richard began his long career in insurance in 1967 with Herndon Realty and Insurance. In 1972, he purchased the insurance division and established HRI Associates. He led the business for 33 years before selling it to his son Doug in 2005.

Richard was a devoted father who coached his kids' sports teams, attended countless games, dance recitals, and horse shows. He loved Herndon, trains, and traveling with his adored wife Linda.

A dedicated public servant, Richard devoted decades to the Town of Herndon. He served multiple terms on the Herndon Town Council—1971 to 1974, 1990 to 2000, and 2008 to 2010—playing a key role in shaping the town’s growth and infrastructure. His contributions included work on the design of the Herndon Parkway; development of the municipal downtown complex, including the town building, library, parking, and pedestrian spaces; improvements to the golf course and clubhouse; expansion of public works facilities; development of Bready Park amenities; and the acquisition and creation of Haley Smith Park. He also helped facilitate partnerships with Fairfax County that led to projects such as the Herndon Fortnightly Library, Herndon Harbor House Phase I, and a neighborhood resource center, as well as the transfer of Chestnut Grove Cemetery to Town ownership.

Beyond his elected service, Richard was deeply involved in civic life for more than 45 years. He held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the Greater Herndon Jaycees, Rotary Club of Herndon, Founder of the Historical Society of Herndon, Downtown Herndon, Inc., Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Herndon Downtown Alliance, Herndon Police Citizens Support Team, Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts, ArtSpace Herndon, Sister Cities International, Northern Virginia Family Service, and The Elden Street Players.

He was especially proud of helping establish Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Herndon through the Rotary Club, which has provided thousands of books to local children and continues to do so today.

Richard’s lifelong service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Herndon Citizen of the Year Award (1984 and 2001), the Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award (1987–1988), the Mayor’s Distinguished Volunteer Award (1986 and 2002), the Lord Fairfax Award from Fairfax County (1994), and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Greater Herndon Jaycees (1996). In recognition of his enduring contributions, the Town of Herndon proclaimed April 26, 2010 (his 70th birthday), as “Richard Downer Day.”

Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Herndon historical Society online at Herndonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Richard’s family.

Services will be announced at a later date.