Richard Thomas Vail

Richard Thomas Vail was born on January 14th, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Irish-American parents, Andrew and Florence Vail. He attended St. Angela’s elementary school and St. Phillip’s High School in Chicago. On a football scholarship, Dick attended St. Norbet’s College where he studied history and received a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences. During his time at St. Norbert’s, he was part of a

championship football team and contributed to the college’s first undefeated season in 1957. Upon graduation, Dick served in the U.S. Army 6th cavalry division, receiving his officer’s training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was very proud of his tank division and the leadership skills he gained from the military. His cavalry division served to support the front lines in the Korean war. His mother always said that he was a born leader. After his service in the Army, Dick worked for Montgomery Ward in Chicago, where he met Dolores Buyer and they were married on February 10th, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois. After they were married, they moved to Columbus, Ohio where he worked for 7Up Bottling company. In 1970, they moved to Colorado where he was employed for Coca-Cola Company. In 1973, after moving back to Chicago, Dick started his career with GTE Directories in Des Plaines, Illinois. Based on his success with GTE Directories, Dick was promoted to facilities management to oversee the construction of

their new building in St. Petersburg, Florida. He and Dee raised five children; four daughters and a son. Family meant everything to Dick. He enjoyed planning and going on vacations with his family each summer. He was active in his children’s activities, even coaching Little League baseball and his son’s team. He loved playing with his grandchildren; often balancing them on his knees. He always kept close touch with his siblings. After many years of service with GTE, Dick retired in 1994 to enjoy time to travel and experience new adventures with his wife and family. He loved cruising and was fortunate to go on 15 different cruise voyages throughout his life. Dick and Dee moved two more times (Estero and Colorado) before settling into their present home in Fort Myers.

Dick was an amazing storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor, attributed to his prideful Irish heritage. He was often found singing or humming an Irish song. His laugh was exuberant and contagious! He loved sports. His fondest memories were of going to the White Sox games with his dad, who was a die-hard fan as well. He also was an enormous football fan, routing on his Norbert Knights, the Florida Gators, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Denver Broncos. Dick was very active in his catholic church; being a president of the parish council, lector and extraordinary minister of holy communion. He also was a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dick was a very devout, faith-filled man. He loved to stop and pray

to our Blessed Mother and Saint Jude for family members during his daily walk. He lived his life with great character and integrity. God called him peacefully to His kingdom to join his loved ones in heaven on his 86th birthday, January 14th, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Dee, of 59 years, his daughter, Eileen Streight, daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Ron Lambert, daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Sean

Templeton, daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Jason Lomano, son and daughter-in-law,Tim and Minji Vail, 14 grandchildren(plus 1 on-the way), 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home: 2853 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759 on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 from 6pm-8pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church: 750 San Salvador Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698 on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 at 10:30 am. Graveside service to be held at Sylvan Abbey Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass.https://youtu.be/zb3Y1xExkAk