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About Richard “Dick” Lee Harlow
Richard “Dick” Lee Harlow, CLU, CSA, CBC, 86, was called home on Friday, November 14, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona.
Born to Frank Ivanhoe Harlow and Mildred Virginia Brown in Washington, DC in 1939. Dick was a Navy Veteran, a business owner, and fiercely devoted to his family. He cultivated his business, served the community, and raised his family in Reston, Virginia before relocating to Arizona in 2024.
Dick loved a good cigar, a fine bourbon, horse racing, and his family. He was generous, hard-working, and inspiring. He had an adventurous spirit and traveled to many exciting places both while in the service of his country and after with his beloved wife.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Ann Harlow, three children; Gael Jean Harlow, Richard “Butch” Lee Harlow, II (and daughter in-law, Sarah Elizabeth “Beth” Harlow), Melanie Anne de la Rocha (and son in-law, Jeremy Andrew de la Rocha); as well as six grandchildren; Gaelen Neile Conner (and grand-daughter in-law, Ariana Pacheco), Connor Harlow O’Sullivan, Katherine Elizabeth Harlow, Lira Lonette Cash, Kinsey Lee O’Sullivan, and Nimue Marian de la Rocha, as well as his sister, Betsy D’Iorio.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2pm at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.
Richard “Dick” Harlow’s Memorial Service
Wednesday, November 26 · 2:00 – 3:00pm
Time zone: America/Phoenix
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/eiz-heiq-amb
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
3 comments
Gael Harlow
I’m heartbroken to hear of Dad’s passing. I’ve been thinking about his life and the memories we all carry in different ways. Wishing family and all who loved him comfort and peace.
Gael Harlow
My father was a good man who loved his wife and family. He served his country in the Navy and had many remarkable adventures across the globe, including surviving a plane crash. In his youth, he built and raced cars and filled a wall with trophies from his many races. He started and owned his own business.
My father was always busy. Always moving. When not at work, he was involved in one project or another: remodeling the house, maintaining a huge garden, or making his famous Sunday breakfasts.
My first memory of my dad is looking up at him as he drove the car. The sun was right behind his head. He was like a mountain looming above. This sums up his presence in life, a personality too large for such a small planet.
I have happy memories of car rides listening to the radio on the way back from freezing football games at RFK Stadium. Memories of watching Star Trek together, and taking us to the opening of Star Wars. Dad let me stay up all night on his office computer playing video games and making terrible art. I’ll never forget him standing at the top of the driveway watching me head off to California, never to return.
He did look a little worried.
Our last time together was in his backyard, looking up at the stars, picking out constellations and planets. It was nice. It was perfect, really. I’ll think of him whenever I see the night sky.
I should say rest in peace, but that’s not my father’s style. Instead, I hope he’s off having many extraordinary adventures in whatever comes next.
The Kullmans
Lots of love from afar, while you celebrate the life of Mr. Harlow. We only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but through the stories shared by the de la Rocha crew – I know he was quite an interesting character. Hold tight to those memories, friends.