RESTON, VA ~ Richard Henry Zwicker, 85, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2018 at his home in Reston, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Mary and surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 5, 1933 at Fort Benning, Georgia, to Ralph Wise Zwicker and Dorothy Stewart Zwicker. Richard was a quintessential Army brat, living in many states throughout the U.S. as well as Germany and Japan. He served a short tour in the Army in the 1950s as part of an anti-aircraft artillery battery defending Long Island, New York from the Red Menace. Richard lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia and Columbus, Ohio before settling in northern Virginia in1960 to start his career as a civil servant for the Navy Department of Printing and Publications. He married Danielle Baneyx of Paris, France, in 1965 and, although they parted ways twelve years later, he and Danielle remained loving friends for the rest of his life. In 1994, Richard married the love of his life, Mary T. (Mahoney) Erard, formerly of Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Although he had his share of life’s disappointments and challenges, Richard always kept a sunny attitude and never let the world’s troubles keep him down. Even as his health declined, his sense of humor didn’t waiver. This past Veteran’s Day, from his hospital bed, he coined what may be the first original “why did the chicken cross the road joke” in 50 years. Richard is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons and their wives, Steven (Heather), Mark, Brian (Aileen); his daughter-in-law, Barbara; his grandchildren, Alexa, Caleb, Grace, Gavin, Colleen, Matt and Nick; and his sister, Jean. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ralph, and his son, Bob. Richard will be missed most of all for his kindness and wonderful sense of humor, which he never lost. He passed on his love for puns and good bad jokes to his son, Steve, and grandchildren, Alexa and Caleb. A viewing for Richard was held on Friday, December 14, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, Virginia. Richard’s family would like to thank the caring, wonderful staff of Home Helpers and professionals of Capital Caring, for attending to Richard and Mary and for all the support they gave to our family. His funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, December 19, 2018 beginning at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104, (Please meet directly at the church). His burial will follow the Mass at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. There are no visiting hours in Springfield and the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 have been entrusted with local arrangements. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com