Richard “Dickie” Tampoya, a/k/a “The Captain” or “Brad Pitt”, 76, went to be with his Lord Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born December 13, 1949, in the Philippines, he was the son of Dr. Potenciano and Liberty Theresa Tampoya.
Dickie was one of 12 children and was preceded by his parents and siblings: Rolando, Erlinda, Eduardo, Solomon and Samuel.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Debbie; sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Wendy Smith and Ben and Bronlyn Smith; as well as the true sunshine in his life, granddaughters: Rylea, Emma, Maggie and Mia; siblings: Manolo, Catherine, Maria Theresa, John, Mark and Joanne; as well as his close friends, lovingly known as the “sister-wives”: Maria, Barb and Darlene. His mother-in-law, Dorothy Drake, also survives him.
Dickie attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary in Vienna, from which he met and kept the friendship of many seminarian brothers. He graduated from St. Francis in 1967 and attended West Liberty and Fairmont State.
His first job was for Rudy Scudiere at the Exxon station on South High. He and Rudy eventually became business partners. Dickie later became the owner of Brockway Amoco. The “station” was a community hang out. Dickie’s second chapter of work life was spent at Mylan Pharmaceuticals. While there, he developed a whole other set of work family and friends.
Dickie was a devoted and loving family man to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. He and Debbie spent a beautiful 38 years together enjoying time with “the boys” Justin and Ben and their friends following hockey, football, golf, and skiing. He later enjoyed precious times with “the girls”, his four granddaughters. He also loved traveling with Debbie and family vacations.
Dickie was always up for a good time. He spent many a tailgate with a handle of Crown Royal and his shot glasses, defining success as an empty handle and lots of new friends in the Blue Lot. Not only did he cheer for WVU but was a Black and Gold through and through Steelers and Pirates fan-win or lose!
Dickie was an excellent photographer. He took many professional portraits and chronicled the special events and joys of others’ lives. He loved to shop! Cars, cameras, stereo equipment, jewelry for Debbie, gifts for the family and trying to keep up with the latest technology. He loved investing in people by helping in any way, as he enjoyed finding solutions and lending a hand.
Dickie loved to cook and try new recipes, or at least, “share” them on Facebook. He loved a good cigar (until the grandbabies came and he stopped for their good). He enjoyed playing cards with his brothers and sisters and cooking for family get-togethers. He loved and was moved deeply by music of all genres. He was an avid people watcher, which he enjoyed doing with his lifelong friend, Gary, at Massullo’s on High Street, or at the mall food court to watch the madness during Christmas Eve.
Faith was a very important part of his life. He enjoyed listening to uplifting and spiritual music. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir for many years and served as an usher.
In the words of the Tampoya family anthem, “May the Good Lord bless and keep you til we meet again.”
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the WVU Cancer Institute for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Dickie.
Honoring Dickie’s wishes cremation was arranged by Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home.
Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church 3346 University Ave, Morgantown, WV 26505, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, with a scripture service beginning at 7:30 p.m., and again from 10 a.m. til the time of the Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, with the Reverend Father John P. McDonough as celebrant. Private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dickie’s memory be made to St. Ursula Food Pantry & Outreach PO Box 18 Pursglove, WV 26546.
Condolences: www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
