Colonel Richard Lewis Horvath

Colonel Richard Lewis Horvath (Retired U.S. Army), also known as Dick, died peacefully at home in Sarasota, FL, on Monday 10/23/17 at the age of 83. Dick is survived by his wife of 61 years Frances (Fran) Ann (Zalewski) and their four daughters: Kim Ellen Heck (Charles), Wilmington, NC; Pamela Ann Page (Brian), Grand Rapids, MI; Karen Sue Schwartz (Tracy) Leland, NC; Lisa Mary Hewitt (Troy), Napa, CA; six grandchildren Megan Stoppels-Shehan (husband Brian), Eric Jon Stoppels, Drew Richard Page, Grant Lewis Page, Trevor Carlin Smith, and Sydney Frances Smith. He is also survived by his beloved springer spaniel, Brodie, who he took running alongside his golf cart for years. He was preceded in death by his brother Barry Horvath, his father Louis Horvath and mother Winifred Horvath. Dick was born on February 2, 1934, in South Bend, IN, and graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1952. He attended University of Detroit and graduated in 1955 with a degree in Journalism. He also held a double Master's Degree in Public Administration and Business. He met Frances Ann Zalewski in 1955 and they were married September 15, 1956. Dick enlisted in the Army in 1957 and was an almost 30-year Army Officer veteran who served in post-war Korea as well as war-time Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star with Valor. Dick was proud to serve his country in the military and of his years of service. He and Fran lived at: Ft. Sill, OK; Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Okinawa; Ft. MacArthur, CA; Ft. Sheridan, IL; Springfield, VA; and Darmstadt, Germany. After retirement they lived in: Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Summerville, SC; St. Maarten; Kiawah Island, SC; and finally settled in Sarasota, FL, for retirement. Dick and Fran were avid golfers and loved being a part of Bent Tree Country Club and community. During their retirement, they were fortunate to travel a great deal, visit their daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, and play many rounds of golf at various beautiful courses. Dick was also a passionate Notre Dame fan and always greeted you with ‘Go Irish!' on gameday. Dick was a charismatic and a "larger than life" kind of man. You were always aware of where you stood with him and he never minced his words. He was also an emotional man who cared deeply for his family and was fiercely protective of them. A memorial funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 2nd, at 930 am, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota with internment to follow at Sarasota National Cemetery. Afterwards, a Memorial Luncheon will be held at the Country Club at Bent Tree. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard Horvath's name to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota. Condolences can be posted at www.ToaleBrothers.com. The family would like to thank Tidewell Hospice for their assistance during his end-of-life transition.

Tributes

Colonel Richard Lewis Horvath

February 2, 1934 - October 23, 2017