Richard Howard Rish

Richard was born the 31st of May, 1928 in Wabash, Indiana, where he and his family lived for 10 years before moving to Elkhart.  He graduated from high school in 1946, having played tennis on two championship teams.  He graduated from Brown University in 1950, with degrees in Economics and Naval Science, and was commissioned an Ensign, USNR.  His active duty, three years, was largely spent in the Persian Gulf in hydrographic and oceanographic assignments.  He eventually retired from the US Navy, having served 20 years including active and reserve duty.  In civilian life, he worked for Merrill Lynch for 45 years, most importantly as a Vice President in the Chicago Board of Trade office.  He retired to Florida and lived in Ft. Myers for more than 10 years before moving to Naples.  He was known for his love of classical music, and could usually identify the piece and composer after listening to only a few bars of the introduction.   Additionally,  he had a keen interest in all things weather – especially clouds and storms.  He loved sitting out under the night sky and pointing out stars and constellations.    When he had to be inside, he could be found eating dry-roasted peanuts while working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, or playing cards.  His kind and gentle spirit were a gift to those who knew him.  He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; children Maril Travetto, Charles Rish, Deborah Barnes, Mary Dauw, and Lucy Rish, as well as 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.   His family will be gathering for a celebration of his life in lieu of a memorial service.