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The Honorable Richard Andrew Thompson, 79, of Washington, D.C., passed away on December 5, 2024, at Georgetown University Hospital after a brief illness. Born on February 14, 1945, in Richmond, Virginia, to Andrew and Elizabeth Thompson, Richard demonstrated early the intellectual curiosity and dedication to public service that would define his life. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Virginia in 1967 and earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1970. Judge Thompson served as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for 32 years, earning a reputation for fairness, thorough legal analysis, and respect for both prosecution and defense. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and in private practice at Thompson & Associates. Beyond the courtroom, Richard was a devoted family man and avid sailor. He spent countless weekends on the Chesapeake Bay aboard his beloved sloop, "Lady Justice," often accompanied by his grandchildren, to whom he was teaching the art of navigation. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret Thompson (née Harrison); his children, Andrew Thompson (Katherine) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Elizabeth Thompson-Wright (James) of Boston, Massachusetts; four grandchildren, William, Catherine, James Jr., and Margaret; and his sister, Sarah Thompson-Monroe of Richmond. A memorial service will be held on December 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the National Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University of Virginia School of Law Scholarship Fund or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.