Richard Lewis McBride's Obituary
Richard Lewis McBride Sr. passed away on September 4, 2024, at his home in Fort Myers, Florida. He was surrounded in his final days by his family, which was his greatest wish.
Dick was born on March 14, 1946, in Euclid, Ohio to Lewis E. and Evelyn A. McBride. The family later moved to Upper Arlington. Dick attended Barrington Elementary School (which all 3 of his children would attend), Jones Junior High and graduated from Upper Arlington High School, a part of the Class of 1964.
Dick was a musician throughout his life. Even though he could not read a note of music, he loved singing and playing the guitar. He was a member of The Yeomen, “the fastest rising young folk group in America” as they were dubbed during the summer they spent after high school, performing 3 shows a day at the Tommy Bartlett Water Show in The Wisconsin Dells. His Yeomen bandmates remained some of his dearest friends throughout his life.
Dick attended Clemson, Ohio Northern, Ohio University and The Ohio State University. He married his wife, Mary, on October 20, 1967, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Upper Arlington.
Dick spent a large part of his career in the traditional men’s clothing business, first at the Village Store and then at Woodhouse Lynch Clothiers. He went on to work in management at G.D. Ritzy’s in Columbus, before joining Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith as a stockbroker.
In 1986, Dick transferred to their Leesburg, Florida office so that he and Mary could be closer to their parents. He went on to get his real estate license, working in new home sales for Parkwood Oaks, The Villages and Currington Contracting, where he worked until his retirement in 1997.
After moving to Southwest Florida during retirement, Dick and Mary spent several years living on their beloved Sanibel Island and then on to Fort Myers, making friends everywhere he went.
Along with his love of music, he enjoyed traveling, the beach, golf, Ohio State Football and anything that involved his family
Dick was preceded in death by his son, Richard Jr, his parents, his beloved aunt Margaret Karns, his sister Peg Fornshell, and his nephew George Curnow, Jr.
Dick is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 57 years, Mary, daughter Amy Hempleman (Dave) of Fort Myers, son David of Helen, Ga, grandchildren Mary Olenick (Luke) of Basehor, KS, Benjamin Hempleman (Miranda Schultz) of Kansas City, MO, Margaret Loridon (Reece) of Kansas City, KS and Sara Hempleman of Shawnee, KS
and great-grandchildren, Parker and Paige Kunz, Stella Hempleman and Millicent and Maurice Loridon IV as well as several nieces and nephews who he also dearly loved.
He is also survived by his beloved dog, Rosie, who was his constant, loving companion.
The family will have a private service on Monday, September 9th at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
Should you wish to honor Dick’s memory, the family suggests contributions in his name to The American Cancer Society.
Dick never met a stranger. Whether he was Dick, Dad, Poppy, Uncle Dick or Dickie, to know him was to love him. Ten thousand words cannot describe him, but two words are a start. Our hero.
Until we meet again.
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