With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Richard Eugene Brinkley on April 17, 2026, at the age of 78.

Richard grew up in Portsmouth, VA and attended Woodrow Wilson High School where he met and married his wife of 58 years, Paulette.

He began his accomplished career at F.W. Craigie & Company in Richmond, VA and then joined the newly opened Virginia National Bank (later Sovran), where he dedicated 18 years in computers and cash management.   He left banking and entered the staffing industry as the franchise owner of the Olsten Corporation's Hampton Roads area.  In 1995, he opened his own staffing firm, Priority Staffing Services, Inc. with Paulette and his son John, where he led fearlessly for nearly 3 decades.

A heartfelt sentiment from one of his clients recently stated, "People should know how they touched the lives of others while here on earth.  [Richard] is and has been a fine man, a gentleman, a great businessman and a thoughtful human being."  Known for his gentle kindness, Richard made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He truly loved his employees like family and looked forward to going into the office every day.

Throughout his life, Richard was a devoted and loving family man, ensuring he was at all events, playing catch in the backyard, and providing unconditional support, patiently listening with respect to all. He cherished his time sailing from North Carolina to Maryland with friends and enjoyed serving the community with fellow Rotarians where he served as president in 2012.  His closest friend would tell you Richard lived respectfully, never saying an unkind word about others.  He loved being around people and was happiest when he was dancing.

Richard is survived by his wife, Paulette; his children Richard (Elaine) Brinkley, Jr., Carrie (Brian Bolling) Brinkley, and Tim Brinkley; his grandchildren, John (Chantal) Brinkley, Kyle (Leigh Anne) Brinkley, Gavin Brinkley, Isabelle Brinkley, Scott Brinkley, Aidan Brinkley and Chloe Brinkley; and his great-grandchildren, Ward and Cana Brinkley. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marie and Edward Brinkley, and his son, John Brinkley.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High Street, Portsmouth. The family will receive friends an hour prior at this celebration of Richard's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to the Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads , 2060 Upton Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

Though he is no longer with us, Richard's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The family would like to acknowledge the incredible service of Richard's daily caregivers and end of life hospice angels.