John Richard Ale
October 21, 1956 ~ January 14, 2019
John Richard Ale was born in Washington, D.C. in 1956. In his youth, he played baseball, football, and basketball and even sang beautifully. After graduating from W.T. Woodson High School in 1975, he earned a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia. In his time at UVA, he met his wife and love of forty years, Cathleen. His infectious joy, laughter, vibrancy, exuberance and larger than life spirit made people gravitate towards him as the true life of the party. Throughout his life, he collected countless friends. After college, with the help of a spare bedroom and a cat sized employee named Cricket, he built and ran a business that continued for 30 years.
He possessed an adventurous drive, grit, and determination that saw him through everything from entrepreneurial business ventures to long car trips to his children’s sporting events. As an avid hiker and naturalist, he loved the outdoors and the mountains and was entranced by the stillness of nature and the rush of the ocean. He could name every bird, rock, tree, and plant (or at least it seemed that way to his children). He made the best beef stroganoff, lasagna, pancakes, and tacos. He delighted in the triumphs and successes of his family and friends far more than his own. A lifelong Washington area resident and devoted sports fan, he celebrated the return of baseball and mourned the Redskins on a weekly basis.
He is survived by his mother Jean, his Aunt Arlene, his wife of 32 years Cathleen, and his children Trey, Emily (Taylor), Liz (Allison), and Thomas (Savannah). He is also survived by his sisters Kathy (Andy) and Carolyn (Jim), his brother Steve (Lenore), his brother-in-law Mike (Kathy), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends, as well as a beloved cat named Fluffy.
A celebration of his life will take place on Monday, January 21st at 10am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolftrap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy.
He possessed an adventurous drive, grit, and determination that saw him through everything from entrepreneurial business ventures to long car trips to his children’s sporting events. As an avid hiker and naturalist, he loved the outdoors and the mountains and was entranced by the stillness of nature and the rush of the ocean. He could name every bird, rock, tree, and plant (or at least it seemed that way to his children). He made the best beef stroganoff, lasagna, pancakes, and tacos. He delighted in the triumphs and successes of his family and friends far more than his own. A lifelong Washington area resident and devoted sports fan, he celebrated the return of baseball and mourned the Redskins on a weekly basis.
He is survived by his mother Jean, his Aunt Arlene, his wife of 32 years Cathleen, and his children Trey, Emily (Taylor), Liz (Allison), and Thomas (Savannah). He is also survived by his sisters Kathy (Andy) and Carolyn (Jim), his brother Steve (Lenore), his brother-in-law Mike (Kathy), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends, as well as a beloved cat named Fluffy.
A celebration of his life will take place on Monday, January 21st at 10am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolftrap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
We have so many wonderful memories of John – all of them outside. Some of my favorites are sharing family dinner in Duck just a couple of months after we met, having drinks by the fire, and watching him teach Jackie how to shoot a basketball. We will miss him.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
I met John in high school at WT Woodson and next thing I knew he was dating my sorority sister at UVA. My heart is aching for my “sister,” Cathy and John’s entire family. He was such a great guy and I will miss his smile.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
John and I met at Sweetwater. He is one of the friendliest, funny, heart warming men I have had the pleasure to meet. My thoughts go out to Johns family and friends. Love you buddy!
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
Ive known John since our days at WTW and basketball. He was so full of life, so much fun. I had many many fond memories of John, with a lot of laughter. Im stunned of his passing
We have known Richard since he was 10 years old. Our love and prayers are with you all.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
We are planting a tree in honor of our nephew / cousin, John Ale. “Rich to us”.. We will cherish our memories of you forever. We love you and miss you so much. Aunt Arlene, John, Amanda, Rob, Jim, Julie, Amy, Ralph, Sean, Morgan and Frank in Heaven.
Dale Hess, and old work friend.
RIP JRA
#eternalDOL
#billywahoo
#dandeladido
#stanvandan
Laurie and I are saddened by this loss of a friend and a good man. He was funny, smart and kind and a pleasure to be around. I had great expectations of one day sharing grand children with him. We are comforted that he rests with our Lord this day and we send our deepest sympathies to his wonderful family.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
The Fox Harrow Ln./Briar Creek Dr. bunch are stunned with a punch in the gut in hearing of our Richard’s death. We will always think of Richard by his fierce wit, athleticism, and a kindness that would extend even to the little guys in our neighborhood (like me). Heaven is a “funner” place now and I like to think he helped us who are still here to make this side of eternity a little more fun, too!
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
My eyes filled up with tears when I heard the news of the death of my cousin Rich (as I called him). I keep thinking is this true, is this real. My wonderful cousin Steve confirmed the sad news. It never occurred to me that he would pass so early. Every time I think about Rich’s passing, pain, tears and sorrow is all I can feel. I know Rich is going to a better place and that he’ll always be with me. My Dad, (Uncle Frank) took us hunting for the first time when we were 13. That is something we loved and shared our entire lives. Two cousins have never been so close. I will love and miss my cousin Rich forever. I love you Rich. Rest in peace. I will reunite with you in that happier place.
Love your cousin, John
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
Till we see you again Richie