Rosemary Richards' Obituary
Rosemary Richards, age 95, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. Born on July 6, 1930, Rosemary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Rosemary was born to William and Theresa Skufca in Ashtabula, Ohio. Rosemary attended Plymouth Grade School and later, Ashtabula Highschool. It was there that she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Richards. They were married on August 19, 1950. Shortly after, Jim joined the military, and him and Rosemary relocated to a base in Fort Benning, Georgia, where Rosemary gave birth to the first of their five boys. When Jim retired from the military, the two of them returned to Ashtabula and eventually welcomed four more boys. While busy raising their boys, Rosemary began a career as a real estate agent.
Tired of the Ohio winters, the Richards’ clan moved to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, in 1973. Rosemary and Jim were one of the first residents of Island Winds Condominiums. Rosemary enjoyed walks on the beach and collecting shells. Eventually, Rosemary and Jim built the house of their dreams on the back bay, not far from Island Winds. Rosemary adored hosting family and friends for holidays and get-togethers.
In 1980, Rosemary was hired as the executive officer of the Fort Myers Beach Board of Realtors. She held that position until she retired in 1989. During that time, she took a step back from the real estate world and focused on helping and spending more time with her family.
Rosemary inevitably couldn’t stay away from real estate as she missed the social aspect of being in the office and returned to work as a bookkeeper and rental agent for multiple years. She probably would not have retired for the second time, if it weren’t for Hurricane Ian causing her employer to shut down indefinitely.
During the last two years of her life, Rosemary lived in an assisted living facility, The Opal in Fort Myers, Florida. Rosemary made quick friends with the other residents, and it didn’t take long for her to fit right in. While living in her assisted living facility, Rosemary discovered her passion for constructing puzzles, some over 1,000 pieces.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Richards. She leaves behind her five children, Robert Richards, Ronald Richards, Alan (Michelle) Richards, Daniel (Cindy) Richards, and Bradley Richards; brother, William Skusca; sister, Theresa Davis. She also has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private.
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