My deepest sympathy to the family. Richard's knowledge, humor, musical ability and mechanical knowledge will be sorely missed. I enjoyed my time working with Richard as much as listening him play his music. My deepest condolences.

Richard was a neighbor of my mother's 50+ years. She would always comment to me of what a great guy he was. I myself have some very fond memories of occasional conversations with him over the years. He was truly a very special individual. He will be greatly missed by all. Our hearts goes out to all of your family.
Sincerely,
Lily & Mark Hambacher

I will miss sitting next to Richard each week at Symphonic Band. He was a wonderful playing partner and a great trombone player. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Richard was a remarkable person; he was so much like my own father in his gentle approach and thoughtfulness in everything he did. I had the pleasure of knowing Richard for only a few years but I learned that he was a true Engineer and he loved his UM and all they had to offer him (as was my dad). He was a sponge when it came to learning (I think he must have read a lot!). How I came to know Richard was when I first joined what is now the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds (formerly known as The American Legion Band). I am a trombone player that, unlike many, had not picked up the instrument that I played in high school in over 37 years. Occasionally, Richard & I would be seated next to one another; and what a fabulous player he was! I know that he has had some health issues over the last few years, but he always maintained a positive attitude with respect to his recovery and had ultimate faith in his health care professionals. I'm so sad to hear of his passing.
My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends; Richard will be missed here on earth, but he surely is in a much better place. A place where there is no pain, nor suffering, nor crying.

Juli Reid

I surprised and saddened to hear Rich's passing. He will be missed.

We played together in the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds. He was always upbeat and so sweet. He always wanted his hug from me. I will miss that. I enjoyed talking to him and listening to all his great stories. Thank you for the music Richard. I will miss you at rehearsal.

My deepest sympathy is with you and all of Richards family. I knew Richard through multiple bands and orchestras. What a gentle man and great person. The world is poorer without him. He will be greatly missed.

Richard was a dear friend I had the privilege of playing trombone with for over 30 years, sometimes up to 5 times a week. He was a great musician and wonderful playing partner. Richard was one of the kindest and caring people I have known. I enjoyed many conversations with him before and after rehearsals where he always expressed his love for family and church. He was an inspiration to me climbing ladders to roofs and those big fuel tanks at age 78 until his back injury forced him to retire. I truly missed Richard when his health would no longer let him drive to the bands.
My deepest sympathy to all the family and those close to Richard.

I sent you a card telling you how much I will miss Dick. We spent many many years playing together for the North Miami Pops. Dick was a wonderful musician and a superb human being.

Went to church with Richard at Little River; seems like it was only yesterday. Condolences to the family. I know you will miss him.

Richard and I played in the same band for years. One time, he was looking to purchase a new trombone. He was curious as to my horn so, I let him play it for our rehearsal. He liked it very much and proceeded to purchase a similar horn. A few weeks later, Rich came to band with quite a few trombone accessories and gives them to me as a present to thank me in assisting his acquiring his new trombone. That was Richard. He had enormous respect, patience and consideration for others.

I will miss his quiet demeanor, quick flash of a smile and his sharp wit. Rest easy my dear friend. You will be missed.

I would like to extend my sympathy to the family I knew John for many years and played with him both in the orchestra and the red rocket big band. He was a good musician but first a kind man.