Thomas G Richard

Thomas G. (Tom) Richard, 71, of St Augustine passed away April 18, 2021 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring after a valiant battle with Leukemia. Tom was born on July 15, 1949 to the late Raymond and Virginia Richard and grew up on the northwest side of Chicago, dooming him to life as a fan of the Chicago Cubs. He loved all sports and to hear him tell it, he spent almost every waking hour either throwing the ball against the front steps (undoubtedly driving his parents crazy), playing baseball on the corner, or shooting hoops on the driveway. It was through sports that he made lifelong friends, the best of which was Jim Malone, whose calls during his final year really brightened his days. Tom was a proud US Marine, serving during Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart and Silver Star. He served on The Des Plaines Police Department for 20 years, later regaling anyone who would listen with stories of his involvement in the city's most notorious crime. Tom met his wife when her friend fell off a barstool and he, ever the gentlemen, helped her up. His charm and wit made Margi fall in love instantly (that and his goofy Irish brogue!). The two of them loved to dance - though they were no Fred & Ginger - and spent 42 years dancing through life together. Along the way they raised two sons and eventually moved to Florida where Tom spent many an hour riding his bike or walking on the beach talking to everyone along the way. Tom was always the life of the party and had a true zest for life. Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Margaret; sons, Thomas and Patrick (Kat) Richard; sister, Denise Foley; grandchildren, Britteney and Liam Richard, Jake Colby; a host of extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Community Hospice https://www.communityhospice.com/give/ , Feline Canopy of Care https://fcocinc.org/ or the Veteran Garden Project of St. Augustine https://veterangardenproject.org , in memory of Thomas. A celebration of Tom's life will be 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 1, 2021 at St Johns Family Funeral Home, the family will begin welcoming friends at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. In keeping with the CDC Coronavirus guidelines every attendee may be requested to wear a mask and the number of attendees may be restricted. We ask that if you are at high risk, feeling ill, or traveling from an area with a high level of infection, please do not attend the service. Those unable to attend can view the service live streamed at https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/549019. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Thomas G Richard

July 15, 1949 - April 18, 2021