Sunrise: April 12, 1950 – Sunset: September 2, 2024

The Tolbert, Tay, Watts, Tisdale and Smith families announce with profound sadness yet thanksgiving to God the passing of Honorable Richard Vacanerat Tolbert, Sr. in his 75^th year. This sudden and unexpected event occurred during the early hours of September 2^nd at his home in Monrovia, Liberia.

Richard leaves to cherish his wonderful memories: his wife of 42 years Mrs. Celestine Watts Tolbert and their children Renee C. Williams (Richard), Rita Tolbert, John H. Tolbert, Richard V. Tolbert, Jr. (Melissa) and Frank E. Tolbert III.

Richard will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Josiah Williams, Elijah Williams, & Dominique Tolbert; his step-mother Idell Warner Tolbert; his siblings: Oscar Olu Williams, Antoinette Richardson (Edward), Stephen Anthony Tolbert (Nadia), Florence Wah (James), Doris F. Tolbert, Grace Tolbert, Rina Tolbert, and Fred Raynes. He was predeceased by his parents Senator Frank E. Tolbert, Sr. and Clara Tay Tolbert; and siblings: Francis N. Tolbert, Roland N. Tolbert, Frank E. Tolbert, Jr., and C. Monroe Papay-Wae Tolbert, Sr.

Remembering Richard V. Tolbert Sr. (Apr 12, 1950 - Sep 2, 2024)

Richard Tolbert, a founding member of the AllAfrica Board of Directors, died on September 2, 2024 in Monrovia.

A former investment banker at Merrill Kynch and UBS in New York, Dr. Tolbert returned to Liberia in 2006 after being asked by President Ellen John Sirleaf to chair the country's National Investment Commission. Since 2010, he has worked in the private sector advising companies on business opportunities in Liberia and across west Africa.

After graduating from Harvard and Columbia Law School, he helped manage the family-owned Mesurado Group but was forced to flee the country after the coup in 1980 in which his uncle, President William Tolbert was killed along with 13 other government officials including his father, Frank.

This Infocus page features several interviews and articles on Dr. Tolbert's efforts to attract business for Liberia, his community enagagement and advocacy for commemoration of his family mebers and others who died in the 1980 coup.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to help with funeral expenses and travel by family members to Liberia for the wake and services. Contribute here.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Removal from Funeral Home:
Friday, October 4, 2024 at 5:00 PM Stryker Funeral Parlor (Tubman Blvd., Monrovia, Liberia)

Wake Keeping:
Friday, October 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM Restoration Baptist Church (Allison Street, Oldest Congo Town Monrovia, Liberia)

Funeral Service:
Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM Zion Praise Baptist Church (Bentol, Liberia)

Interment:
Tolbert Burial Plot (Bentol, Liberia)

Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/providencetelevision1?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Contacts:
Stephen Anthony Tolbert (973-460-0473)
Renee Williams (917-569-5138)
Edward B. Tolbert (+231-77-016-8887)
Dr. Rachel Tolbert (+44-7802-449639)
Elfrieda Stewart Tamba (+231-88-651-0319)
Olu Tolbert (+231-77-035-8170)