Richard Howard Thayer

Richard H. “Dick” Thayer, age 85, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020. He was born on May 19, 1934 in Spartansburg, PA, the son of William and Bertha Thayer. He grew up in Erie, PA and met Joann Catherine Weber in a 10th grade horticulture class. They married on October 16, 1954 and celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to her passing in October 2019.

Dick was an avid horseman for most of his life. He enjoyed raising and training American Quarter Horses and won many showmanship awards. He and Joann moved to Florida in 1973 and his interests turned to RV camping and travel. They are long-time members of an active RV camping group and have many lifelong friendships through these activities. Their adventures included a 4-month camping trip to Alaska and trips to Europe and Iceland. Dick’s work experience was in the field of commercial air conditioning and refrigeration and for many years he was an outside sales representative for All Appliance Parts in Fort Myers.

Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was preceded in death by his wife Joann and his parents, brother John Thayer, brother William Thayer and sister Lois Vaclavik. Dick is survived by children Ric Thayer (Ann), Ted Thayer, Doreen Licitra (Carmelo) and Kellie Thayer; sister Susan Greider and brother David Thayer; grandchildren Jamie Adams (Chandler), Jacob Thayer (Missi), Jordan Keller (Jason), Joanna Fonseca (Anthony), Richard Thayer (Josh), Delia Horn (R.J.), Hannah Thayer, Rick Thayer (Emily), Alyssa Rose (Joshua), Melina Hernandez (Brian), Giancarlo Licitra (Taylor), Michael Smith (Summer), Bryan Smith and Jason Thayer (Jaimey); several great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss his faithful friendship and his sense of humor.

Many family members and friends have had the opportunity to visit with Dick in recent months. Sadly, we are not able to have visitation or a celebration of his life at this time due to pandemic precautions. Burial will take place at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, Ft Myers, Florida.

For information, please call 239-334-4880.