RICHMOND – Richard Shea Rose (a.k.a. Dad, Grandpa, Rich, Ricardo, Uncle Richie), passed away on December 13 at the age of 85 of complications from cancer.
Richard was born in Richmond on June 4, 1938 to Sally Kolinsky (Harris), and Harry Rosenzweig. He grew up on the iconic Maplewood Avenue, where he developed many lifelong friendships. His early days were spent on ballfields, basketball courts, or helping out in his parents’ restaurant. Richard was a very proud alum of both TJ (Thomas Jefferson High School) in 1957, and the University of Richmond in 1961 with a BS in Economics. He was also blessed to make many deeper, lifelong friendships with his UR Phi Alpha (Rho) fraternity brothers.
After a couple of years in banking after graduating, Richard was recruited to manage a furniture business, putting him on the path to becoming a serial retail entrepreneur. His first test started in 1969 with Furniture Galleries on W. Broad St. In 1984, after boldly relocating to Virginia Beach, he partnered to open what became BestWay Rent To Own. It developed into a chain of 20 home furnishings, electronics, and appliance stores in Central and Southeast Virginia and North Carolina. This business spawned several other businesses over some years, including BestWay Tax Service, BestWay Autos, and BestWay Phones. In 2008,
Richard became a partner/franchisee of wheel and tire stores – RNR Tire Express – which are thriving today. All of the businesses positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of customers and continue to help change the lives of many associates whom he influenced and mentored.
Richard proudly served on, and contributed his great mind to, the boards of both of his synagogues and APRO, the national trade association for the rental industry.
Richard was an avid golfer, loved traveling with Elsa, playing cards with the guys, and especially loved trips to casinos near and far. He was especially proud of getting Elsa hooked on golf and her becoming a city champion.
Nothing was more important to Richard than his family and extended family.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Thelma, brother-in-law, Shelly, and ex-wife Henie. Richard is survived by his wife of 18 years, Elsa, his sons Ron (Melissa), and Jonathan (Sara), his grandchildren, Emily, Julie, Olivia, and Danny, Elsa’s children Lily, Julie, Marco, Jose, and Matthew, and Elsa’s grandchildren.
A funeral was at Bliley’s in Richmond.
Donations to the American Cancer Society, Tunnels to Towers, the Ronald McDonald House, St. Baldrick’s Foundation (for pediatric cancer research), C.A.T.S. (Children’s Assistive Technology Service), Jewish causes in support of Israel, or many other charities and causes Richard supported.