Richard " Peanuts - Pops" Wisniewski, at age 71, drifted peacefully into the arms of the Heavenly Father on August 5, 2012 at his home in Hampton, Virginia.

He was born on February 7, 1941 in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Stanley Wisniewski and Bertha Elonich.

Richard was raised by his step-father Joseph Pifko on Maple Street. Richard was known for his wonderful smile and contagious laugh. His generosity and loving heart were always on display as he lived life to the fullest. Richard would often say "you can judge the heart of man by his treatment of animals." Richard's compassion for people and for animals was emanated in his caring ways. He enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley Trike, and attending Pittsburgh Steelers games with his friends and family. When things were slow, "the King of Saunders Road" loved to sit out back and drink a cold one at his forever home in Hampton, Va. He loved spending time with his sister Barbara at the Wisniewski Family reunion in Waterford, Pa. One of his most cherished annual events was his Academy high school class reunion. He loved eating breakfast at Tommy's restaurant in Hampton, and getting his haircut at Greenwood's Barbershop where he could tell his stories, give advice, and formulate his next "Plan A and Plan B."

Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. After 20 years of service and 5 career fields, he retired from the Air Force in 1981 as a Master Sergeant in Cable/Antenna Maintenance.

He is survived by his lifetime companion, his pet Cocker Spaniel Maggie-May; his ever loving sister Barbara Savelli of Erie, Pa.; his loving cousin Carolyn Swift of Covina, Calif.; his cousin Fred Delfino of Eire, Pa., and his three loving children, Richard Wisniewski of Hampton, Va., Cristine Albright of Owens Crossroads, Ala., Scott Wisniewski of Newport News, Va.; three grandchildren, Jacob Albright, Carly Albright, and newly born Meiliana Wisniewski.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage Humane Society in the name of Richard "Pops" Wisniewski. Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.