Richard I. "Rick" Damalouji, 52, a Calvert County native who became a successful family law attorney in the Burlington, Vermont area, died suddenly June 1 at his brother's home in Huntingtown. His family said the cause was related to his long battle with heart disease.

Mr. Damalouji was born December 19, 1961, in Annapolis and grew up in Huntingtown, graduating from The Calverton School in 1979. He received a B.A., from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, in 1983, and a J.D., from Vermont Law School in 1988.

He settled in Addison, Vermont, after passing the Vermont Bar and spent the next 23 years practicing law in the communities around Burlington, primarily representing clients in matrimonial and family law issues. He began his legal career as a staff attorney in the Office of the Public Defender and most recently worked as an Associate Attorney at Broadfoot & Associates in Burlington. He moved back to Maryland in 2012.

Mr. Damalouji, whose interests ranged from collecting antique furniture and gardening to social advocacy, was also an accomplished gourmet. He briefly owned and operated a restaurant, "The Yellow Dog," while living in Vermont.

He was deeply devoted to his family. His survivors include his parents, Issam and Joan Damalouji; brothers, David, James, Joseph, and Robert; sister Lisa Hartwell; 13 nieces and nephews and a grand-niece.

Cremation followed his death. No formal services will be held, but the family is planning a memorial celebration in the near future.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.