Robert L. Riffe, 84 of Locust Grove, Va. died peacefully at his home on September 26 of heart failure. Bob is survived by his wife Jean of 62 years. He is survived by his sons Robert (Pam), Richmond; Brian (Pam), Fairfax Station; Timothy (Robin), Lake of the Woods; and Steven, Jeannette, PA; 12 grandchildren– Rene’, Matthew, Karen, Daniel, Erin, Richard, Michelle, Christopher, Steven, Sean, Samuel, and Cole; and 3 great grandchildren—Lennox, Gabriel, and Norah. He was preceded in death by his brothers Phillip and Noel “Babe” and is survived by his sister Betty Lou Daniel of Lester, WV.
Robert was the son of Haskell O. Riffe and Beatrice (Richmond) Riffe of Lester, WV (near Beckley). Bob attended Beckley College on a basketball scholarship. After marriage in 1951, Bob served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon return to the United States, Bob worked first as an Electronics Technician at Melpar and later at the Night Vision Laboratories, Department of the Army at Ft. Belvoir, VA, retiring in 1993.
A 44-year member of Occoquan Lodge #310, AF&AM, a member of Edward H. Cann Lodge #1752, AF&AM and served as Worshipful Master of both Lodges. Bob also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). He was a member of Occoquan Chapter #59 Woodbridge for 43 years where he served 6 times as Worthy Patron. He also belonged to Fredericksburg Chapter #29. Bob served in various committee positions of the Grand Chapter (State of Virginia) of the OES. Bob was frequently sought after for initiations, funerals, and other Eastern Star and Masonic occasions.
Bob was active in St. Paul’s United Methodist in Woodbridge; after moving to Lake of the Woods, he joined The Lake of the Woods Church where he served as a Stephen’s Minister for several years.
Bob was a great father and role model for his four children. Known as “Poppy” to his 12 grandchildren, Daniel Riffe posted the following:. “Poppy you were an inspiration, a role model and amazing grandfather! Your kind heart and gentle nature will be remembered and passed along through your beautiful wife, children and grandchildren. You have made an amazing family and we will miss you deeply but your life, your laugh and your love will live on through each and every one of us! Heaven is lucky to have such an amazing angel, I know you’ll be watching over us!”
A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at Lake of the Woods Church, Locust Grove, with a Masonic and Eastern Star Service to be held at 7:30 p.m.. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 4 at the church. Reverend Mike Lemay will officiate. Interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Va.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Lake of the Woods Church or Lake of the Woods Rescue Squad. An online guestbook is available at www.johnsoncares.com
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.Â
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
