Richard Kenworthy Harper, 84, of Richmond died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at his daughter's home in Richmond surrounded by his children.

Dick was born in Evanston, Ill., on July 9, 1927.

Dick courted Dona Kuntzelman while they were both working for the Evanston YMCA and they married in 1953. They were together for 23 years of marriage and had six children and resided in Fredericksburg during his tenure at the FBI Academy in Quantico.

Dick received his master's degree in sociology from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. He was chosen by the FBI to open the new FBI Academy in Quantico in 1972 and was part of the establishment of the esteemed Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. He was employed as a special agent of the FBI from 1962 to 1982 and ended his service to the federal government as special agent in charge of the Omaha, Neb., office.

In retirement, Dick moved to Richmond and was a contractor for the FBI and did freelance work as a background investigator. He was also a longtime usher at the Diamond for the Richmond Braves.

Dick is survived by his sister, Linda Meyer, and his brother, James Harper of Illinois He was predeceased by his first wife, Dona Harper of Fredericksburg, and is survived by his second wife, Linda Brayton. He is survived by his six children, Todd Harper of Richmond, Michael Harper of Roanoke, Paula Harper of Sandston, Sara Mooney of Richmond, Martha Harper of Richmond, Brian Harper of Spotsylvania County and his stepdaughter, Elise Mueller of Durham, N.C.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Sara Ann Mooney, Richard Mooney, Zacchary Harper, Grace Ledford, Maxwell Harper and Lillian Harper.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond at 2 p.m. July 9. A celebration of Dick Harper's life will follow at a location to be determined.