Douglas B. Robelen, 55, of Glen Allen, died after a long illness on July 23, 2021, with his family by his side. He was born on September 25, 1965, in Sayville, N.Y., to Don and Dorothy (deceased) Robelen.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Amy Robelen; his daughter, Caroline; and son, Sam. Doug is also survived by his father, Don Robelen (Sue) of Manakin-Sabot; and his brothers, Keith Robelen (Aline) of Charlotte, N.C. and Erik Robelen (Sheila) of Silver Spring, Md. In addition, he is survived by his aunt, Bette Piece (Geoff) of Lincoln, Mass.
Doug lived in the Richmond area for more than 30 years. He worked with great dedication as the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Virginia, a post he assumed in February 2019 (family and friends proudly joined him for the investiture ceremony with the Justices.) Before that, Doug served as the court’s Chief Deputy Clerk for more than 15 years.
He was a longtime member of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks and served on the executive committee from 2017 to 2019. Doug also worked previously as an attorney in government and private practice. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1990 and Davidson College in 1987.
Doug was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, nephew and friend. He was kind and considerate, displayed a sharp wit and had a keen sense of humor that routinely brought joy and laughs to those lucky enough to know him. Doug also had a deep and abiding faith and was active in St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Ashland.
He was a lifelong student of history – especially American history and military history – and devoured countless books on the subject. In fact, he donned a revolutionary-era wig from time to time – typically to play Thomas Jefferson or Richard Henry Lee – in historic reenactments at St. John’s Church in Richmond.
A talented musician, Doug played trumpet and performed countless times in the Richmond community. He was a founding member of the Henrico Community Band, which he performed with for nearly two decades. He also played in the Reflections Big Band.
He served as Committee Chair of Troop 777 of the Boy Scouts of America from 2014 to 2020.
In addition, he was a member of the Richmond Jaycees from 1990 to 2005 and was president in 1993 to 1994. He also served as chair of Project W.A.R.M., which provides firewood for families in need.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9155 Hungary Road, Henrico, Va., 23294. Please wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Doug Robelen may be made to St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church or Scout Troop 777 in Henrico.
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