Mr. Richard John Ustinich

Richard John Ustinich, 77, passed away at home on November 28, 2024. Richard was released from suffering this Thanksgiving after a year in Hospice care by his daughter Stephanie Ustinich Creasman and her husband, Brian. Richard was born in the Bronx, NY on November 1, 1947 to Joseph and Arleen Ustinich. Richard’s passion for photography blossomed early. He honed his skills at the NY School of Art and Design (1965). He then went on to become a master darkroom artist at Modernage Photographic, a leader in advanced photo techniques; Richard’s prints of historic images are shown in museums and major galleries. In the 70s, Richard moved to Virginia with his then wife, Lee, and started a family, welcoming daughter Stephanie in 1974. He thrived as a commercial photographer, working with ad agencies and corporate clients in Richmond. His talent was also recognized by renowned publications like U.S. Camera, Infinity, Popular Photography’s Woman, and Getty Images. In addition to photography and drawing, Richard loved flying and earned a pilot’s license for small craft. He flew periodically, using a fun flight simulator in his later years. He cherished his canine companions, Leica and then Una, both female German Shepherd Dogs and they were each by his side for many years. Una was his daily companion until his illness finally required a loving friend, Marzia, to take over for him. He leaves behind Stephanie, his brother Robert, of Roanoke, VA, and his dog Una. To offer condolences, you can reach Stephanie by e-mail StephanieUCreasman@protonmail.com. In lieu of flowers etc., if anyone would like to give a very small donation, helping old dogs would be something he would have really liked. In his memory, donations to Grey Muzzle (supports at-risk senior dogs) would be greatly appreciated. https://www.greymuzzle.org/